Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte (PPAB)

Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte has called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other regulatory agencies to establish “green lanes” to amplify businesses producing “Tatak Pinoy” (Proudly Filipino) products and services.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 3, Villafuerte said “green lanes” will enable speedy processing of the import and export requirements and clearances needed by these businesses.

Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party (NUP), noted that this was in connection with the recently signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11981, or the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act.

He noted that local government units (LGUs) are the only ones required to put up “green lanes” to streamline and hasten the processing of paperwork needed by investors who plan to engage in enterprises producing local goods and services.

“Local government executives have a big role to play in their respective areas of jurisdiction under RA 11981 that the President signed last month to level up the production of Philippine goods and services that are not only of increasing diversity and sophistication but are globally competitive or of world-class standards as well,” he said.

The lawmaker explained that stepping up the ease of doing business in the country, which should include regulatory agencies, will pave the way to President Marcos’ goal to embody “Made in the Philippines” as a trademark of excellence and great workmanship.

“[This] is a step closer to the President’s vision for post-Covid high and inclusive Philippine growth, as the accelerated production and marketing of Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) products and services of top-caliber quality is guaranteed to improve and diversify the productive capabilities of domestic industries; expand their linkages with regional and global value chains; create more and better jobs for Filipinos; and eventually spread growth more equitably across all regions of the country,” said Villafuerte.

In addition, Villafuerte said the Proudly Filipino Act shall empower inclusive economic growth in all regions by extending support to disadvantaged sectors, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Disadvantaged sectors and marginalized groups such as the urban poor, subsistence farmers and fisherfolk, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and women, will also be granted various opportunities under this new law, he said.