TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)in Eastern Visayas has launched its “permitting on wheels” initiative in Northern Samar, allowing residents and stakeholders to process environmental permits directly in their communities without traveling to regional offices.
The mobile service recently conducted onsite processing of Special Use Agreements in Protected Areas (SAPA) applications in the municipalities of Lavezares and San Jose, as part of efforts to make government services more accessible and efficient.
The initiative aims to streamline permitting procedures by bringing technical personnel and application processing services closer to applicants, reducing delays and logistical challenges often faced by communities in remote areas.
Prior to the onsite processing, DENR conducted an orientation session for applicants and stakeholders led by Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Angelito Villanueva, who discussed SAPA requirements and procedures to ensure smooth processing.
A composite team from various DENR units—including the Regional Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Northern Samar, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Catarman, Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of the Biri-Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape—provided technical assistance and real-time evaluation of applications.
The program supports the agency’s directive to fast-track permit processing while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and improving public access to services.
DENR said the “permitting on wheels” program reflects its commitment to accessible governance and strengthened environmental stewardship by delivering frontline services directly to stakeholders in protected and ecologically sensitive areas.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
