Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday launched the nationwide 'Permitting on Wheels' to streamline the process of securing government permits and bring services closer to businesses and communities. In an interview during the launch held at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the program would help boost the economy amid ongoing global challenges.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to make government services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to the public's needs, particularly as the country grapples with the economic impacts of the Middle East crisis. 'With the situation we're now experiencing because of the Middle East crisis, kailangan na kailangan natin tulungan ang ekonomiya natin. Ngayon, travel is a luxury dahil sa oil prices natin (We really need to help our economy, as nowadays, travel is a luxury because of our oil prices),' Cuna said.
Cuna added that the program would also help the DENR improve its system. 'At the same time, gusto namin makita where we can improve on our online permitting system also dahil kailangan namin aminin na nakatanggap kami ng mga reklamo (we want to see where we can improve on our online permitting system also because we need to admit that we have received complaints) on the difficulty of some with using the online system,' he said, adding that some people encounter difficulty uploading documents and paying online.
Under the initiative, DENR teams will conduct monthly on-site permitting activities across Metro Manila and other regions, targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that often face logistical and financial challenges in securing environmental clearances. Through on-site assistance, applicants can be guided directly and potentially secure permits within the same day if requirements are complete.
Beyond easing processes, the DENR is also focusing on strengthening coordination with local government units (LGUs) by equipping them with the knowledge to guide constituents on environmental compliance requirements, such as Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), wastewater discharge permits, and emission monitoring permits. Cuna emphasized a shift in the agency's approach, from primarily identifying violations to fostering collaboration with the private sector in protecting the environment.
The initiative also serves as an information and education campaign, particularly for MSMEs that may be unaware of environmental laws and their obligations under existing regulations. Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso welcomed the program, citing its potential to accelerate business operations and generate employment in the capital city. 'Through this initiative, mas gagaan, mas bibilis, mas dadali (it would be lighter, faster, easier),' he said, emphasizing that faster processing of permits would allow businesses to operate sooner, thus creating more jobs.
The DENR said the program is being implemented simultaneously across all 17 regions with regular assessments to improve execution.
