Bulacan Sets the Benchmark in Central Luzon with Launch of EODB Champion Program

The Provincial Government of Bulacan reinforced its leadership in local economic governance with the launch of the Bulacan Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Champion Program, a pioneering initiative in Central Luzon designed to institutionalize regulatory excellence, accelerate digital transformation, and strengthen investor confidence across the province.

Spearheaded by Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, the program reflects Bulacan’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and innovation in public service—key drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The Launching and Commitment Signing Ceremony, held on October 7, 2025, at Mesa Alta, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, Malolos City, Bulacan brought together national and local government leaders, development partners, academe representatives, and the business sector. Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General and Secretary Ernesto V. Perez served as the keynote speaker, an indication of the strong support of the national government for Bulacan’s reform agenda.

Governor Fernando, alongside Secretary Perez, led the ceremonial signing of the EODB Pledge Wall, symbolizing a shared commitment among local government units (LGUs), national agencies, development partners, the academe, and the private sector to uphold principles of efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused service delivery.

“Higit sa mga patakaran at proseso, ang tunay na tagumpay ay nasa kooperasyon at malasakit. Tulad ng diwa ng kooperatibismo—bayanihan at sama-samang pag-unlad—ang layunin ng EODB Champion Program ay tiyaking walang maiiwan sa pag-asenso at bawat Bulakenyo ay may patas na pagkakataon para magtagumpay (More than policies and processes, true success lies in cooperation and caring. In keeping with the spirit of cooperativism—communalism and shared development—the goal of the EODB Champion Program is to ensure that no one is left behind in the advancement process and that every Bulakenyo has a fair chance to succeed),” Governor Fernando said.

Secretary Perez commended Bulacan as the first province in Central Luzon to institutionalize an EODB Champion contest, positioning the program as a benchmark for other LGUs nationwide. “Kung gusto nating mapaganda ang negosyo at palaguin ang ating mga bayan, kailangan ang sama-samang pagpapatupad ng mga batas sa ease of doing business—hindi na paggawa ng bago, kundi ang mahusay at tapat na implementasyon (If we want to improve business and develop our towns, we need to collectively implement laws on the ease of doing business—not creating new ones, but efficient and honest implementation),” he stated.

Implemented through the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO), the program is open to all cities and municipalities in Bulacan. LGUs are evaluated based on three pillars: compliance with ease of doing business laws, service efficiency and impact, and innovation through digital integration. Awards include First, Second, and Third Place, as well as special recognitions such as Innovation Champion, Investment Facilitation Champion, and Customer Service Champion, highlighting exemplary local initiatives.

The program aligns with Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018), Executive Order No. 18 (Green Lanes for Strategic Investments), and Proclamation No. 818 (declaring May as Ease of Doing Business Month), ensuring consistency with national reforms and investment promotion frameworks.

With multi-sectoral support from the private sector, ARTA, Board of Investments, and the regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Bulacan EODB Champion Program positions the province at the forefront of subnational regulatory reform, reaffirming its role as a champion of good governance, competitiveness, and investor-ready growth.