Online application for tree-cutting permits launched

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has launched its online program for the benefit of those applying for a permit to cut and earth-ball trees.

Nolito Lapinig, forester at DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, said the agency has chosen to launch the program in Cebu City and the online permitting system has been on a test run since Monday.

Lapinig explained the system is capable of processing permits for tree cutting and for transport, and for certificate of wildlife registration.

Once in full implementation, he said processing days would be cut short.

Lapinig added that application would no longer go through the tedious process and it will be hastened to two working days from one week of processing.

He assured that the system works well, citing that one already applied days after it was launched.

Lapinig added that they will not be that strict in receiving and approving applications, but instead will focus on the monitoring and checking of permittee’s compliance of environmental laws.

“Dili na namo striktuhon ang pag-apply, adto na sa monitoring if compliant ba ang permittee,” he said.

Further, Lapinig reminds farmers who are in to commercial tree planting that for convenience, registration should already be done in time of harvest or cutting.

Once a farmer applies, DENR will issue a certificate of tree plantation ownership.

“Dali lang and less hassle gyud,” he said. — Kristine B. Quintas/ATO (FREEMAN)