Processing of ECC in Subic streamlined

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Zambales – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) streamlined the processing and issuance of environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) and certificates of non-coverage (CNCs) within the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) area in line with President Arroyo’s program of enhancing transparency in government transactions.

This developed as the DENR also implements its online Environmental Impact System (EIS)–Information System, where new applications for ECC and CNC can be viewed at the Department’s official website.

DENR Secretary Lito Atienza said that all ECC and CNC applications for projects located within SBMA area shall now be processed by the DENR office here, through the regional Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

Under DENR Administrative Order 14, Series of 2009, the approval of the ECC and CNC applications is now within the authority of the EMB regional director.

Approval of applications for ECC and CNC within the Laguna de Bay area is likewise with the EMB regional offices of either DENR Region 4A or the National Capital Region (NCR) under the newly issued DENR administrative order.

“This move is pursuant to Presidential Administrative Order No. 42, Series of 2002, which designated the EMB regional directors as the approving officials for ECC applications for non-environmentally critical projects located in critical areas, as well as CNC applications for projects not covered by the EIS system,” Atienza said. By FRANCO G. REGALA - Manila Bulletin