ECC permit process to go ‘on wheels’ for SMEs

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it will make the permit process for environmental clearance certificates (ECCs) available in cities and municipalities to ease the travel burden on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In a statement on Sunday, the DENR said the “Permitting on Wheels” program will bring these services directly to cities and municipalities once a month, eliminating the need for applicants to travel to regional offices.

“For years, securing environmental permits and clearances meant that entrepreneurs… had to take days off work and spend heavily on transportation to reach distant regional government offices,” Environment Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna said in the statement.

The DENR said the program will be launched nationwide on April 14-15. Simultaneous rollouts are also planned in other key cities and municipalities.

Personnel from the Environmental Management Bureau will be deployed on site to assist applicants with requirements related to air and water quality management, environmental impact assessments, hazardous waste, and chemicals management, it said.

Applicants may also file permits on site, including those for tree cutting, importing chainsaws, wildlife transport, and related certifications.

The DENR said the mobile hubs will provide real-time validation of documents, allowing applicants to address deficiencies immediately with the help of technical staff.

The service will also include assistance for filing online applications, particularly for those unfamiliar with digital systems.

The DENR said the initiative is expected to reduce delays in applications for permits such as Certificates of Non-Coverage, wastewater discharge permits, and hazardous waste registrations.

The two-day rollout will include lectures on environmental compliance and system walkthroughs. A livestream will also be made available for those unable to attend in person.

The DENR said it plans to make the program a permanent monthly service following the launch. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel