ILOILO City – Seeking to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and encourage faster environmental compliance, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Western Visayas rolled out its “Permitting on Wheels” (POW) program in Pavia, Iloilo on July 13, bringing multiple permitting services directly to businesses, local government units, and project proponents in a single mobile government hub.
The initiative, held at the Pavia Multi-Purpose Center, allows applicants to process and validate documents in real time, reducing the lengthy procedures, travel costs, and delays commonly associated with securing environmental permits and clearances.
“Permitting on Wheels” serves as a one-stop-shop for assistance on various environmental regulatory requirements while strengthening government accessibility and promoting compliance among stakeholders.
Engr. Anne Marie Delariarte, officer-in-charge regional director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6, said the program reflects DENR’s commitment to making public service more accessible.
“Permitting on Wheels has served as a vital bridge between our agency and public-private partners, driven by our unwavering mission to provide accessible and hassle-free public service. After successful launches in Boracay, Guimaras, Capiz, and Antique, we are thrilled to bring this service to the town of Pavia,” Delariarte said.
She said DENR, together with the EMB and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), continues to assist stakeholders in securing the permits and clearances needed for environmental compliance.
“By mobilizing our operations, we are not only changing locations but also dismantling the barriers that hinder access to these essential services,” she added.
Pavia’s Mayor Laurence Anthony Gorriceta welcomed the initiative, saying it complements the municipality’s vision of promoting both development and environmental protection.
“This mission aligns perfectly with our own goal of making Pavia a more efficient, accessible, and progressive community. We recognize that development and environmental protection are not opposing forces; they both drive our municipality forward,” Gorriceta said.
DENR-6 Officer-in-Charge Regional Executive Director Atty. Ramar Niel Pascua said the mobile permitting program is also intended to strengthen collaboration with local governments and the private sector while improving service delivery.
“This initiative strengthens our partnerships with Local Government Units (LGUs), private sector stakeholders, and the public in promoting sustainable development,” Pascua said.
“We are taking concrete steps to improve service delivery and reduce processing barriers, ultimately encouraging greater compliance,” he added.
Aside from permit processing, the activity also featured Information, Education and Communication (IEC) sessions on environmental laws, public land titling, hazardous waste management and other environmental concerns.
Technical personnel from DENR, EMB and MGB assisted participants with applications for Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), Certificates of Non-Coverage (CNC), Self-Monitoring Reports (SMR), Compliance Monitoring Reports (CMR), Permit to Operate, Discharge Permits, Hazardous Waste Generator ID registration, Pollution Control Officer accreditation, and land and forestry-related services.
Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon, Regional Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI, said the bureau remains committed to supporting responsible resource management.
“At MGB, we provide technical assistance, address communication needs, and offer relevant services. We are committed to responsible management and support sustainable development,” she said./PN
