Camarines Sur Named Bikol's Model in ARTA Law

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has chosen Camarines Sur as Model Province for Region V in the implementation of Republic Act 9485, known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (ARTA).

Model provinces and cities of each region were identified for their having completed their respective Citizen's Charters, set up Public Assistance and Complaint Desks and adopted measures to stop fixing activities in their jurisdictions.

The ARTA mandates all government agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, and government-owned and controlled corporations to post their Citizen's Charters, set up Help and Complaint Desks and crack down on fixers by September 2009, over a year after the CSC issued ARTA's Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) through Resolution No. 081471 dated July 24, 2008.

Camarines Sur completed its Provincial Citizen's Charter and other requirements launched last May 27in time for the celebration of the 430^th Foundation Anniversary of the province in formal ceremonies attended by CSC assistant commissioner Anicia de Lima who cited the exemplary efforts of the provincial government under Governor LRay Villafuerte to enhance the working performance of Capitol personnel, promote transparency and optimize delivery of services to clients.

The Citizen's Charter must identify the frontline services offered, the step-by-step procedures, the employees responsible for each step, the amount of fees, the documents to be presented by the client, and the procedures for filing complaints in relation to requests and applications.

ARTA also requires government offices to review and evaluate their respective systems and procedures with the end in view of accelerating and facilitating transactions and making them easier for the clients. The new Charters shall also be posted in billboard form at the main entrance or in the most conspicuous place as well as in information materials, and an assistance and complaint desk accessible to clients must be provided. (GBClaveria/MMEC)