By LGOO V Jennifer Baguisi

First in the Region. The Municipality of Echague, Isabela launched its Express Lane for New Business under the Regulatory Simplification for Local Governments (RS4LGs) program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) last March 17, 2015 at the Office of the BPLO, Municipal Hall, Echague, Isabela.

Initially implemented in the four (4) cities of the region, Echague, Isabela is the first municipality that implemented the project with the assistance of the DILG. Motivated by the vision of the LGU to further spur local economic development in the locality, the municipality has streamlined the registration of new business from 20 steps and average of twenty (20) days processing time to 3 steps and a day. To facilitate business registration, the LGU adopted the computerized system developed by Engr. Albert Bunagan, IT Specialist of Tuguegarao City.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting for the launching of the Express Lane was led by Municipal Mayor Melinda G. Kiat and DILG OIC Asst. Regional Director Odilon L. Pasaraba, members of the Sanggunian, NGA representatives from DENR-EMB, BFP social insurance agencies such as Pag-ibig, Philhealth and SSS, business sector representatives, and academe. Hon. Melinda G. Kiat expressed her gratitude to the DILG and other partners from the government and private sector for their continuous support to the LGU. She believes that improvements of their processes and systems will definitely thrust the LGU to greater development.

Gracing the activity as Keynote Speaker is DILG OIC Asst. Regional Director Odilon L. Pasaraba. He recognized the dynamic leadership of the LGU officials in taking an extra step by embracing RS4LGs as their mechanism and tool in enhancing competitiveness at their local level. He also acknowledged the active support of other agencies and private sector in the program. Express Lane for New Business of Echague, Isabela LAUNCHED