CONCEPCION, Tarlac (May 14, 2026) – The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the local government of Concepcion held the “2026 Grand Ease of Doing Business Fair” on May 13–14 at the atrium of Concepcion Municipal Government Center.
The event aimed to make government services faster and easier for business owners and residents. It offered different services, business assistance, and digital transaction programs.
The activity was part of May, which is officially declared as Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month in the Philippines by ARTA. The month-long celebration focuses on making government services simpler and promoting a business-friendly environment.
During the opening program, held yesterday, Concepcion Mayor Noel Villanueva, Vice Mayor Evelyn Rivera, Sangguniang Bayan members, and department heads led the event. Municipal Legal Officer Atty. Myla Matic delivered the opening message. Also present were Mary Grace B. Manabat, ARTA Central Luzon Regional Chief, and Usec. Juabilly Racho, ARTA Deputy Director General for Regional Field Offices.
In his message, Usec. Racho highlighted the importance of bringing government agencies, private companies, and the local government together in one venue.
“At ARTA, we implement R.A. 11032, by encouraging compliance among offices and promoting efficient government practices. Our goal is to make a government work in a way that benefits every Filipino,” Racho said.
He also praised the municipal building, describing it as spacious, pleasant, and truly beneficial to the people.
Mayor Villanueva expressed gratitude to ARTA for choosing Concepcion as host for the major event, emphasizing that the services would greatly benefit the town’s residents.
“Ang inspirasyon sa pagpapatayo ng gusaling ito ay ang Ease of Doing Business Act po, na kung saan ang lahat ng serbisyo ng Pamahalaang Lokal ay pinagsama-sama sa iisang lugar, o one-stop shop,” Villanueva said.
Among the government offices that joined forces were the Municipal Government of Concepcion, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Government Service Insurance System, Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), Land Transportation Office, National Bureau of Investigation, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
Also participating were the Philippine Statistics Authority, Securities and Exchange Commission, Social Security System, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Migrant Workers, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, and the Concepcion Water District. Private companies that participated include the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT).
