Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has assured foreign investors that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will continue to push for clean and green energy, promote proper management of water resources and solid waste, and ensure responsible mining.
Speaking at the gathering of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in Makati City recently, Cimatu also said the DENR remained committed to its role in facilitating the ease of obtaining environmental clearances for investors.
Cimatu told ECCP members that DENR has introduced some improvements in the implementation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIA) system, as well as in the processing and issuance of tree cutting permits for development projects.
“One, we have provided facilities for on-line application for environmental compliance certificate to shorten the process,” Cimatu said.
He added: “Two, authority to issue cutting permits of planted trees has been delegated to the regional office. Further delegation to the Penro (Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office) and Cenro (Community Environment and Natural Resources Office) is being considered.”
The environment chief disclosed that the streamlining of issuance of water permit is also being undertaken.
In pushing for clean and green energy, Cimatu said the DENR fully supports the Department of Energy in the implementation of Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.
Cimatu said the agency has been actively promoting the deployment of clean and green energy sources through the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the recently signed Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM) between the Philippines and Japan. (pna)
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