DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza and Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso inspect the assistance desks during the launch of the DENR “Permitting on Wheels” at Plaza Ruiz in Binondo, Manila, on April 14. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)

Business owners in Manila can now process environmental permits and clearances without leaving the city through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) “Permitting on Wheels,” a mobile service that brings government transactions directly to communities, reducing travel time, costs, and bureaucratic delays.

The program, part of the DENR Express initiative, was launched on April 14 at Plaza Ruiz, where assistance desks were set up to provide on-the-spot processing and guidance for applicants.

Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso welcomed the initiative, saying it supports the city’s ongoing efforts to make doing business easier and more accessible for entrepreneurs.

He also thanked DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, a former Manila councilor, for spearheading the program and bringing services closer to local stakeholders.

“We are pleased because the government is now the one going down to the people. People no longer have to look for government services—the government brings them closer,” Domagoso said.

According to the DENR, the “Permitting on Wheels” is in line with Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, which aims to streamline procedures and eliminate red tape across government agencies.

Domagoso emphasized that the initiative complements Manila’s business-friendly policies, which have been focused on simplifying requirements and encouraging economic activity despite ongoing challenges.

The mayor, along with Vice Mayor Chi Atienza and other DENR officials, personally inspected the assistance desks during the launch, interacting with applicants and observing the processing of permits and clearances.

At the venue, DENR personnel were on standby to assist business owners and applicants, providing immediate support in completing requirements and facilitating faster transactions.

City officials said the presence of mobile permitting services in Manila is expected to benefit small and medium enterprises in particular, as they often face difficulties navigating multiple offices and lengthy procedures.

The DENR added that the program will be rolled out in other major cities and regions nationwide, expanding access to its services, but Manila is among the first to implement the initiative.