DENR to expand rollout of digital permit applications

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to implement its digital and parallel processing of all mining-related applications across all regions next year after piloting the system aimed at streamlining and fast-tracking approval of permits.

- JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David said the department has completed its initial rollout of the new digital processing system in three regions, including CAR and Davao, recently.

“We already got the feedback and once everything is okay we will roll it out to all regions,” David told reporters on the sidelines of a mining policy forum organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines Inc. yesterday.

The new digital processing system not only streamlines the application process but also “eliminates” indiscretion of government officials handling the evaluation, David said.