DENR cuts processing time for permits

A new initiative in supporting the national goal of improving telecommunications without compromising environmental concerns is being adopted by Secretary Heherson T. Alvarez of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Secretary directed all DENR regional executive directors (REDs) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regional directors nationwide to fast track, within 20 working days, upon receipt of complete documents, the processing of environmental clearance certificate (ECC) applications of all telecommunications projects. This initiative is also in line with the need of the country to cope with the global trends in information technology.

To ensure its effective implementation, Secretary Alvarez directed the downloading of the above-mentioned function from the EMB Central Office to the EMB regional offices. This is consistent with the DENR's thrust to further streamline the procedure in the conduct of environmental impact statement (EIS) as provided for in DENR administrative order No. 37, series of 1996 and its procedural manual.

In the same directive, the concerned EMB regional offices must also complete the processing of Certificate of Non-Coverage Applications by telecommunications projects, within 15 working days upon receipt. ECC applications not acted upon within the said period shall be deemed approved by the concerned DENR office, provided that the project proponent has submitted an affidavit that she/he has compiled with all legal and environmental requirements. – Benny Enriquez