The Implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act in Selected Municipalities in the Province of Sorsogon

Ease of Doing Business plays a crucial role in a country’s economic growth by influencing the attraction of foreign direct investments. When systems, processes, rules, and regulations are business-friendly, setting up of businesses is made easier.  Ease of doing business can benefit businesses and local citizens through access to economic opportunities, lower transaction costs and less corruption. This study aimed to determine the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Act or the Republic Act No. 10032 in selected municipalities in the Province of Sorsogon for Fiscal Year 2023. Explanatory sequential mixed method of research was utilized in this study. Documentary analysis, survey questionnaire and structured interview were used to gather the needed data from the 34 key implementers. Specifically, this study sought to determine the profile of selected municipalities in the province of Sorsogon in terms of the number of business establishments, revenue, human resources, and technology; evaluate the extent of implementation of the EODB Act along Citizens Charter, single or unified business application forms, business one stop shop, automated business permitting and licensing system and Zero Contact Policy; and determine the problems encountered in its implementation. The data gathered were statistically analyzed and interpreted using frequency count, rank, percentage, and weighted mean. The findings led to crafting a policy brief to effectively implement the EODB act in the municipalities that participated in this study.