Over 1,000 government transactions recorded at SM fair

Two-day event brings 28 agencies to SM North EDSA.

More than 1,000 government transactions were recorded during a two-day fair at SM City North EDSA, bringing services that often require separate trips to government offices under one roof.

The Grand Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Fair, organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and SM Supermalls on October 19 and 20, brought together 28 government agencies to help Filipinos access essential services at a single location.

Held at the mall’s Annex Building, the fair offered assistance with NBI clearance processing, National ID registration, PhilHealth and Social Security System (SSS) membership, and Pag-IBIG inquiries. Eligible visitors could also seek driver’s license renewals, while business owners could get assistance with permits and regulatory compliance.

Other participating agencies provided employment, legal, housing and banking services, along with overseas employment and consular information from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

By bringing these services directly to a familiar and accessible community destination, the initiative allowed Filipinos to handle government transactions without having to make separate trips to different offices. This can mean less time spent traveling and waiting, as well as lower transportation costs for individuals and business owners.

The convenience also carries economic benefits, particularly for entrepreneurs who lose valuable time and money dealing with unnecessary requirements and repeated visits to government offices. Easier access to permits and regulatory assistance can help them spend more time running their businesses.

The fair builds on SM Supermalls’ Government Service Express program under SM Communities, which brings participating government offices and services into malls beyond one-off events.

Through the program, SM aims to make government services more accessible by bringing them closer to where Filipinos already shop, dine and spend time, reducing the need to set aside entire days for routine transactions.