The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will begin a new program this week that brings its permitting services directly to cities and municipalities.
Under the “Permitting on Wheels” initiative, DENR teams will visit local government units once a month to help applicants process environmental requirements on-site. The program aims to make it easier for small and medium-sized business owners and project operators to secure permits without traveling long distances.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the move addresses long-standing difficulties faced by applicants, such as high travel costs and repeated trips due to incomplete documents. He added that the program follows the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to bring government services closer to the public.
The nationwide launch will take place from April 14 to 15, 2026, with the main event in Manila, attended by local officials including Isko Moreno. Simultaneous rollouts will also happen in other key areas across the country.
Personnel from the Environmental Management Bureau will be present to guide applicants on requirements related to air and water quality, hazardous waste, chemicals management, and environmental impact assessments. Entrepreneurs can also apply on-site for permits such as tree cutting, chainsaw importation, and wildlife transport.
The DENR said the program will include short lectures on environmental laws and step-by-step guidance on application systems. A livestream option will also be available for those unable to attend in person.
After the launch, the agency plans to make the mobile permitting service a regular monthly offering to improve access to government services and support business compliance while protecting the environment.
