1 October 2023 – To continuously streamline and digitalize the processes in the logistics sector, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) spearheaded the meeting on the Unified Logistics Pass (ULP) with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on 21 September 2023 at the University of the Philippines Open University, Diliman, Quezon City.

The ULP, a project initiated by ARTA and developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is a system that utilizes a unified Quick Response (QR) code to facilitates the unhampered movement of trucks for hire delivering basic goods and necessities. It aims to eliminate the varying and separate pass-through stickers being required by economic zones, ports, and local government units (LGUs) to allow easier movement and ease port-entry restrictions for trucks.

After a pilot implementation in select ports in January 2022, the ULP was turned over to LTFRB by ARTA in June 2022 for the system’s continuous development.

During the meeting, LTFRB was able to present their concerns that needed technological expertise from the DICT. One of these is the need for system development of the ULP for its Unified Application Form (UAF) and Single Window of Payment through a possible Business One-Stop Shop.

Optimistic in this presented project, DICT plans to incorporate the ULP into the e-GOV PH Super App, a mobile application that serves as a one-stop hub for various government services in the country.

Moreover, DICT proposed another meeting for possible drafting of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will define the roles and responsibilities of each agency in the inter-agency collaboration.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez reiterated the importance of ULP in various sectors.

“I agree with Secretary Uy; this ULP will be relevant across different sectors. This will boost our economic activity,” ARTA Secretary said.

Aside from ARTA Secretary Perez, also present in the meeting were DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, DICT Undersecretary David Almirol, and LTFRB Information Systems Management Division Chief Nida P. Quibic.

ARTA, in fulfillment of its mandate and directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., will actively support and maintain its effort to make doing business in several sectors in the Philippines easier.

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