CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY —The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Northern Mindanao (DENR-10) conducted its “Permitting on Wheels” caravan in this city from April 14 to 15, allowing businesses and residents to access faster processing of environmental permits, clearances, and related documents

The initiative, done in partnership with the regional offices of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, aims to reduce travel costs and delays in securing permits.

“Ngayon, tayo na ang lumalapit sa mga kliyente upang matiyak na ang ating mga stakeholders ay satisfied sa serbisyong natatanggap nila mula sa mga national agencies,” said DENR-10 Regional Executive Director Henry A. Adornado.

(We are now the ones going to our clients to ensure that our stakeholders are satisfied with the services they receive from national agencies.)

During the activity, clients benefited from speedy applications for air and water quality permits, hazardous waste certification, environmental impact assessments, and permits for tree cutting and wildlife transport.

EMB-10 Regional Director Reynaldo S. Digamo said improving access to permits supports compliance among businesses.

“Kung lisod kaayo ang pagkuha og permit, ma-discourage nato ang atong mga investors, so himuon nato siyang sayon,” Digamo said.

(If securing permits is too difficult, our investors may be discouraged, so we make it easier.)

He emphasized that the streamlined process does not reduce regulatory standards.

“Dili nato i-sakripisyo ang quality sa application ug sa pag-process kay ato nga gipanilpdan ang atong kinaiyahan. Ato kini higpitan sa pag-monitor sa ilahang compliance,” he added.

(We will not sacrifice the quality of applications and processing because we are protecting the environment. We will tighten monitoring of their compliance.)

The city government expressed support for the initiative.

“Usa ni ka lakang padulong sa mas paspas, gipasayon, ug mas duol nga pag-alagad sa katawhan. Tumong niini nga mapaspas, mapasayon, ug mahimong transparent ang serbisyo sa gobyerno alang sa katawhan,” said City Councilor Eric Salcedo, who also chairs the City Committee on Environment, speaking on behalf of Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy.

(This is a step toward faster, easier, and more accessible service for the public. It aims to make government services faster, simpler, and more transparent for the people.)

For business operators, the caravan reduced processing time and travel requirements.

“Lisod gyud kaayo sauna, pero dinhi, sayon kaayo ang pag-assessment nila [ug] sa pag-process. Dali ra kaayo, wala gyud hassle. [D]ako nakong pasalamat gyud sa tanang mga official dinhi,” said Lourdes Jamisolamin, who manages a quarry business.

(It was really difficult before, but here, their assessment and processing are very easy. It is quick and hassle-free. I am grateful to all the officials here.)

Vivian Seo of Von Jun Poultry Farm Corp. said the activity helped address distance and transport costs.

“This is a good avenue para mag-meet in the middle ang government agency ug ang mga tao. Ang distance pa lang, dako na og kabug-at na sa mga tao nga gusto mag-avail sa services. Diri, tanan involved nga departments naa na. Mas sayon, mas dali, ug mas paspas,” Seo said.

(This is a good avenue for government agencies and the public to meet halfway. Distance alone is already a burden for those who want to avail themselves of services. Here, all involved departments are present. It is easier, simpler, and faster.)

Aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda, which aims to bring efficient, relevant, and timely government services closer to the people, DENR-10 is set to conduct the same caravan in other areas in Northern Mindanao.

“Every month gagawin namin ito until such time na maikot namin yung ibang probinsya ng Region 10. Kasama diyan ang Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, at ang pinakamalaki, ang Bukidnon,” Adornado said.

(We will conduct this every month until we have covered the other provinces of Region 10, including Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon.) (SYY/PIA-10)

.