GOVERNMENT SERVICES WITHIN REACH SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority, mounted the Grand Ease of Doing Business Fair where Filipinos accessed crucial government services at one convenient location.
Two-day fair at SM North EDSA brings 28 agencies together for clearances, IDs, benefits and business assistance
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — More than a thousand government transactions were recorded during the Grand Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Fair at SM City North EDSA on October 19–20, as ARTA and SM Supermalls brought 28 participating government agencies together in one location.
The two-day event, organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) in partnership with SM Supermalls, was held at the fourth floor of the Annex Building and brought government service counters together in one location.
Measured service, meaningful access
Visitors could seek NBI clearance processing, National ID registration and assistance, PhilHealth and SSS membership services, Pag-IBIG inquiries, driver’s license renewals subject to eligibility, and assistance with business permits and regulatory compliance. Other participating offices provided employment, legal, housing, banking and overseas employment information such as consular information and assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Public-private partnership focused on access
ARTA and SM Supermalls share the objective of making government processes easier to navigate and essential services more accessible. ARTA convened participating public offices while SM provided a familiar community destination for citizens to find the assistance they need.
“Sa pamamagitan po ng ating ginagawa, ang Grand Ease of Doing Business Fair, hindi na po ang ating taong bayan ang lumalapit sa ahensya ng gobyerno, tayo na po mismo sa gobyerno, inilalapit natin sa kanila, under one roof.” — Ernesto V. Perez, Director General, Anti-Red Tape Authority
“Every day of delay, every unnecessary requirement, every extra trip to a government office costs our entrepreneurs businesses time, money, and sometimes, even their dreams. That is why Ease of Doing Business really matters.” — Margarita S. Mejia, Head, Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Office
“At SM Supermalls, we’ve seen how bringing government services closer to where people already go can make a real difference. Through SM Communities and our Government Service Express program, we’re happy to provide spaces where government can reach more Filipinos.” — Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President for SM Communities.
Opening program and on-site assistance
The October 19 opening program included remarks delivered by Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President for SM Communities, on behalf of SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, an overview of the fair by ARTA Undersecretary Lea-Grace B. Salcedo, messages of support from ARTA Undersecretary Juabilly P. Racho and Quezon City Business Permit and Licensing Department Head Ma. Margarita “Margie” Mejia, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, a booth tour, certificate presentations and a keynote by ARTA Director General Secretary Ernesto V. Perez.
Government services beyond the fair
The fair builds on the purpose of SM Government Service Express (GSE), part of SM Communities, which brings participating government offices and services into SM malls. By making public transactions more accessible alongside everyday shopping and dining, GSE aims to help Filipinos spend less time traveling between offices and more time on work, family and livelihoods.
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