Starting April 14 to 15, the DENR will deploy personnel and mobile hubs to priority sites across the country under its “Permitting on Wheels” (POW) initiative.
The national launch will be held in Manila, in coordination with local officials led by Mayor Isko Moreno, alongside simultaneous rollouts in key cities and municipalities.
Under the program, DENR personnel will visit local government units (LGUs) once a month, bringing permitting services closer to applicants.
Closer access
“For years, securing environmental permits and clearances meant that entrepreneurs, facility and project proponents had to take days off work and spend heavily on transportation to reach distant regional government offices,” Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said in a statement.
He added that incomplete requirements often forced applicants to make repeated trips, increasing costs and delays.
“President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s directive is clear: the government must reach the people, delivering visible action that brings real, measurable relief to our communities,” Cuna said.
On-site support
Personnel from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) will be stationed at the mobile hubs to assist applicants with requirements related to air and water quality management, environmental impact assessments, chemicals regulation, and hazardous waste management.
Entrepreneurs may also file applications on-site for permits such as tree cutting, chainsaw importation, wildlife transport, and certificates of transshipment.
Faster processing
Cuna said the initiative is designed to make the permitting process more efficient and accessible, particularly for applicants in remote areas who previously relied on online systems with limited guidance.
“With DENR Permitting on Wheels, the process becomes hands-on and immediate,” he said.
The mobile hubs will offer real-time validation of documents, allowing applicants to correct deficiencies on the spot with the help of technical staff. This reduces the need for repeated visits and helps businesses avoid delays that could disrupt operations.
Hands-on guidance
Each hub will be equipped with computers, laptops, and internet connectivity, enabling one-on-one assistance for applicants unfamiliar with digital systems.
The two-day rollout will also include simplified lectures on environmental laws and walkthroughs of permitting systems to help ensure compliance.
For those unable to attend in person, DENR will provide a livestream to guide applicants through the procedures.
Sustained program
Following the nationwide launch, the DENR plans to institutionalize the program as a monthly service across LGUs.
The agency said the initiative aims to create a predictable and accessible system for permit processing, supporting business growth while ensuring environmental protection. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
