ARTA, Mindanao universities sign pact to teach ease-of-doing-business reforms

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has signed a memorandum of agreement with three Mindanao universities to make ease-of-doing-business topics part of their academic programs, from undergraduate courses up to master's degrees, according to Mindanao Times.

Two of the partner schools are in the Davao Region, including DOrSU, which is based in Mati City. The third is Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) in Tacurong City. ARTA said these are its first university partners under the initiative.

Eldie C. Barrientos, ARTA Eastern Mindanao chief administrative officer, said the agreement aims to bring Republic Act 11032, the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, closer to the public, starting with students. He spoke to reporters on Thursday on the sidelines of the regional and local rollout of the Philippine Ease of Doing Business Reform Guidebook and Business Ready Report.

DOrSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce described the agreement as a significant milestone with clear metrics. He said DOrSU, likely the largest state university in the Davao Region with seven campuses, more than 1,000 employees and 17,000 students, is looking at adding the topics to its curricula and possibly its National Service Training Program.

SKSU President Cyrus E. Terrona said his university will include special topics on the law in its Master of Public Management program and will keep them in its revised curriculum. "This is a commitment that we intend to sustain," he said, adding that laws only work when those implementing them understand and practise them.

Apart from curriculum changes, ARTA is visiting schools in the Eastern Mindanao Region to encourage students to set up ARTA Student Movement chapters. The agency has also met with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) XI, and a separate agreement with the commission is being discussed. Barrientos said students have responded well, citing attendance at ARTA symposiums.