Freedom from red tape

IN THIS digital age, computers in most government agencies have become as common as the office stapler. Even municipalities in the lower economic rung will sooner or later have to head towards computerizing their systems.

But even with the advent of advanced technology, the human factor remains key in making  sure that efficiency is achieved in the delivery of public services. It is also the people behind the machines who will determine how fast, or how slow, the needs of the public can be administered. It is our civil servants who will ultimately set that ideal red tape-free environment where transacting business with the government is smooth and easy.

The award received by Dagupan and other agencies for their above-standard compliance of the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 or Republic Act No. 9485 is recognition not for their hi-tech system that makes processing of papers fast and efficient, but a salute to the efforts of the administration and the organizations as a whole and their employees.

Notably, the Dagupan City government did not just come out with the required Citizen’s Charter, a where-when-how-who guide that is supposed to help the public know what to do in processing their requirements from our public offices, and followed the instruction that it be posted in a visible spot, it also stationed manpower who will extend assistance to the people. A written guide is good, but a human guide is much, much better.

Kudos is also due to the Basista Water District, Mangaldan Water District, Bayambang Water District, and the municipal governments of Sual and San Fabian for their full compliance to the law’s provisions. Their example demonstrates that the Anti-Red Tape law should not be so hard to implement.

Our provincial government is trailing. As of their last report, its Citizen’s Charter is still in the stage of finalization. But banking on Gov. Amado Espino Jr.’s serious programs for improved public service efficiency, we can trust that red tape is one of those things that he intends to do away with.

Having set procedures also does not just cut out the red tape burden on the people where they can end up running around and waiting an eternity to get their needs sorted, it also minimizes opportunities for corruption and the palakasan culture.

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