CATARMAN, Northern Samar– In a bold move to transform its local business environment and set a national benchmark, the provincial government of Northern Samar has institutionalized the Green Lane Policy, becoming the first local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines to adopt such an investor-centered framework.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan signed Ordinance No. 7, series of 2025, into law on June 13 during the Ibabao Business Conference, marking a significant milestone in the province’s push for streamlined investment facilitation.
The signing, witnessed by investors and development partners, reflects Northern Samar’s ambition to become a competitive destination for renewable energy and other strategic investments.
The policy, a brainchild of Gov. Ongchuan and implemented by the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office headed by Jhon Allen Berbon, establishes a “single point of entry” system.
Under this model, investment proposals are processed first at the provincial level and then channeled to the appropriate municipal LGUs, ensuring faster coordination and reduced bureaucratic delays.
It also introduces innovations such as simultaneous permit processing, where prerequisites are handled in parallel to avoid bottlenecks; and delegation of permitting authority to the provincial government for projects classified as strategic investments, especially in the renewable energy sector.
“This is more than an efficiency upgrade,” said Ongchuan. “It is a deliberate shift toward a pro-investment governance model that values responsiveness, accountability, and sustainability.”
The green lane policy has earned national recognition, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally presenting awards to the province in July 2024 and again in March 2025. It has also drawn praise from international financial institutions, including the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, which have endorsed the ordinance as a model policy for ease of doing business and a potential standard for future policy-based grants.
The ordinance offers both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, along with promotion and aftercare services, creating a holistic investment ecosystem.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
