SLSU Ranks Top 3 Among 130 SUCs and One of 59 Awardees Nationwide in ARTA Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) has once again demonstrated its steadfast commitment to efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered public service as it received the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Report Card Survey (RCS) Silver Award, along with a Plaque of Recognition for attaining a “Very Satisfactory” rating of 93.61% in the nationwide survey. SLSU was also ranked Top 3 among all 130 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) surveyed nationwide. Of these, only eight (8)—or 6.15%—qualified for the RCS Awards.

The recognition was officially conferred during the ARTA RCS Awards Ceremony held on October 23, 2025, at Conrad Manila Hotel.

The award was personally received by Dr. Jude A. Duarte, University President; Mr. Leo A. Omamalin, Chairperson of the SLSU Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART); Ms. Ruth F. Medilo, CART Vice-Chairperson; Ms. Judy O. Paz, ARTA Focal Person of Tomas Oppus Campus; and Ms. Madonna Grace D. Jacobe, ARTA Focal Person of Maasin City Campus.

Along with the Plaque of Recognition, SLSU also received a monetary incentive of Seventy Thousand Pesos (₱70,000.00), signifying the University’s remarkable compliance with ARTA standards and its unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

In 2023, ARTA conducted the RCS 2.0 First Cycle Implementation, involving 860 participating government agencies. Building on that success, the Authority launched the first full cycle of RCS 2.0 in Fiscal Year 2024, with 904 agencies undergoing evaluation. Among these, Southern Leyte State University emerged as one of the 59 distinguished awardees nationwide, earning the Silver Award for its strong compliance, client satisfaction, and institutionalization of ARTA mandates.

 

 

Commitment to Ease of Doing Business

The Report Card Survey (RCS) is a comprehensive evaluation tool implemented by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) pursuant to Section 20 of Republic Act No. 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. The RCS measures citizens’ actual experiences in availing government services and evaluates how agencies implement their Citizen’s Charter, a transparency instrument that outlines service standards, requirements, and procedures.

The RCS 2.0, jointly developed by ARTA, the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and other oversight bodies, aims to provide a more holistic, data-driven, and client-centered assessment of public service delivery. This initiative seeks to identify and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce transaction costs, and curb hidden costs such as “fixer” fees that burden the public.

RCS 2.0 Scoring Framework

The RCS 2.0 methodology employs a balanced and evidence-based scoring system, combining both institutional and client perception measures. Ratings are computed using the following rubrics:

  • 30% – Institutionalization of ARTA Mandates, which assesses how well the agency has integrated ARTA principles into its operations;

  • 70% – Overall Survey Results, subdivided into:

  • 30% – Survey Questionnaire (client satisfaction and experience),

  • 30% – Inspection Checklist (onsite validation and compliance), and

  • 10% – Client Satisfaction Measurement (service quality index); and

  • 5% – Bonus Points for external recognitions and awards.

This comprehensive assessment framework ensures that government institutions are evaluated not only by their procedural compliance but also by the real-world experiences of the clients they serve.

 

A Collective Triumph for the SLSU Community

The recognition is not merely a milestone but a testament to the collective effort and unwavering dedication of SLSU’s workforce across all campuses. The University extends its heartfelt gratitude and commendation to all frontline offices that have consistently demonstrated professionalism, responsiveness, and integrity in delivering services to students, employees, and stakeholders.

A total of 35 frontline services—comprising 28 external and 7 internal services—were rendered with excellence through the concerted efforts of the following offices:

  • Office of Student Affairs and Services

  • Office of the Business Affairs and Resource Generation

  • Office of the University Library

  • Office of the Cashier

  • Campus Area Network

  • Office of the President

  • Office of the University Registrar

  • Office of the Human Resource Management

  • Office of the Chief Administrative Officer – Administration

  • General Services Office

The University also extends its deep appreciation to the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART) for leading the institutionalization of ARTA mandates across all levels and for continuously ensuring compliance with government service delivery standards. The University likewise acknowledges the unyielding support of the SLSU Administration under the leadership of Dr. Jude A. Duarte, whose direction and governance have fostered a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence.

 

Advancing Public Service Excellence

Receiving the ARTA RCS Silver Award affirms SLSU’s sustained transformation as a model state university in public service excellence and good governance. This achievement underscores the University’s continuing effort to simplify processes, strengthen transparency, and institutionalize client-centered service delivery across its six campuses.

Beyond compliance, this milestone reflects SLSU’s broader aspiration to be a “Smart, Green, and Globally Recognized University by 2040.” Guided by LUPAD: Ascending of the Mighty Kingfishers (Strategic Development Plan 2025-2029), the University continues to pursue innovations that elevate public service standards, align institutional processes with national reforms, and enhance citizens’ trust in government.

As SLSU celebrates this recognition, it reaffirms its pledge to continuously uphold the ideals of ease of doing business, integrity, and service excellence—ensuring that every transaction and service it provides truly reflects its enduring commitment to quality and compassion.

Southern Leyte State University proudly dedicates this milestone to its entire community—its employees, students, partners, and stakeholders—whose collective dedication and trust continue to inspire the University to serve with excellence, transparency, and integrity.

 

 

 

 

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