Zambales: San Jose de Buenavista The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently concluded a successful two-day Permitting on Wheels (POW) initiative in Antique, bringing essential services directly to the local community. The event, held at the Binirayan Gymnasium, aimed to streamline the application process for various permits and regulatory requirements.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative saw technical experts from the DENR and its line bureaus, including the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), setting up a one-stop shop for the residents of Antique. The services provided covered environmental compliance, pollution control, land and forestry, and geosciences, making it convenient for locals to secure necessary approvals without traveling to Iloilo City.

The POW program, which was first rolled out in Guimaras earlier this year, was warmly received by the Antique±os. Residents appreciated the opportunity to process their documents locally, saving time and effort. Among the beneficiaries was Henry Baltazar Faulan, Manager of Villasiga Hydro Power Plant, who successfully secured a permit to operate in Barangay Igsoro, Bugasong.

MGB Chief Geologist Dr. Leilanie Suerta noted that several local government units, including Laua-an and Valderrama, took the opportunity to request geo-hazard maps to enhance their disaster preparedness strategies. Laua-an Mayor Aser Baladjay visited the event to obtain a geo-hazard map for a proposed sanitary landfill project.

By the end of the initiative, 161 individuals, companies, and local government units had availed themselves of the POW's services, highlighting the program's effectiveness in meeting the community's needs.