More ‘green lanes’ sought

The Northern Samar provincial government is calling for the establishment of more “green lanes” to expedite the processing and issuance of permits and licenses for strategic investments. INQUIRER FILES

TACLOBAN CITY — The Northern Samar provincial government is calling for the establishment of more “green lanes” to expedite the processing and issuance of permits and licenses for strategic investments.

Since launching its green lane program last January, the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO) has facilitated 11 major investments worth more than P200 billion, generating employment opportunities among the locals.

These projects, which are in various stages of development, include hybrid rice farming, aquaculture development, common tower construction, and renewable energy ventures such as wind and tidal energy projects, among others.

Gov. Edwin Ongchuan commended the House of Representatives for advancing legislative measures to institutionalize such lanes to streamline the investment process and bolster the country’s economic landscape, aligning with the province’s groundbreaking efforts in implementing a localized version of the initiative.

“The green lane policy is a strategic tool to invite high-value investments that drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and foster sustainable development. Our experience in Northern Samar demonstrates how this approach can transform local economies and create a business-friendly environment,” he said in a statement on Dec. 7.

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Northern Samar is the first province in the Philippines to introduce the green lane policy after Ongchuan issued Executive Order No. 24 on January 12, 2024, which established the PEDIPO as the agency spearheading the initiative.

It will help fast-track the process of securing all the needed permits and documents by potential investors.

For simple transactions, actions could be finished within three working days; seven working days for complex transactions; and 20 working days for those involving highly technical transactions.

The creation of green lanes for strategic investment was mandated under Executive Order 18 issued by President Marcos on February 23, 2023.

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The order defines strategic investments as those that are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan or any similar national development plan and can be characterized by significant capital or consequential economic impact.

“By streamlining the approval process, we signal our commitment to facilitating impactful projects efficiently. This approach not only attracts investors but also aligns with our goals of economic progress, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship,” Ongchuan said.

Congress, as contained under House Bill 8039 or the Green Lane for Strategic Investments Act, is currently deliberating a bill to institutionalize green lanes nationwide, addressing delays in over 90 pending projects valued at nearly P2 trillion.

Under HB 8039, all relevant national government agencies, regional and provincial offices, and local government units will be required to establish or designate a green lane within their offices.