BAGUIO CITY(PIA)--The Environmental Management Bureau - Cordillera Administrative Region (EMB-CAR) is implementing online application system for the issuance of permits and clearances.   

Engr. Marie Pina Rodas, EMB-CAR Clearance and Permitting Division (CPD) chief, said the office implemented the full online application system since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, except for the accreditation of pollution control officers.

The CPD is in charge of evaluating, processing applications, and issuing permits and clearances for mining companies and all commercial establishments.

It is responsible in issuing Environmental Compliance Certificate for proposed projects within the Presidential Decree 1586 (Philippine Environment Impact Assessment System) and Certificate of Non Coverage for proposed projects not within the coverage of said law. It also issues permit for all Air Pollution Source Installation and Air Pollution Control facilities, and Water Pollution Control facilities. 

Companies using or selling chemicals have to secure registration from the EMB and if they will import, they have to secure importation clearance.

Any establishment generating hazardous wastes must also secure registration as hazardous waste generator.

"We have kiosk in our division, ia-assist po namin siya kung paano mag-lodge ng application.  Andiyan po ang technical staff na tutulong," Rodas said.

Rodas bared that the challenge in the online application is the slow internet connectivity especially in some provinces. She assured their assistance to applicants who are personally appearing at their office.

She explained that if the applicants have not complied with the requirements, they give them back the application. “Wala naman po 'yung denial, walang ganun. They just have to comply and return it to us," she said.

Rodas added that all the trainings they are conducting are online. (JDP/ DEG-PIA CAR)