The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has launched a mobile outreach program called DENR Express five months ago, sending teams from all 17 regional offices to rotate across provinces every month—with help desks that issue permits and clearances on the spot for residents who come prepared with their requirements.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna made the disclosure in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on August 15, as part of the DZRH SONA 2026 Series featuring the DENR.
He said the program was born from a direct instruction given to him by President Marcos right after his oath of office: bring services closer to the people, speed up processes, and make life easier for ordinary Filipinos dealing with government requirements.
“Ang bilin po niya, unang-una gaya ng sabi kanina ni Director Mike: ilapit ang serbisyo sa tao, pabilisin ang proseso, at gumawa ng mga hakbang para po mapadali, mapagaan ang buhay ng tao,” Cuna said.
He said the program operates by giving advance notice to communities that the DENR team will be visiting their province on a specific date, and telling residents what documents to prepare so that permits can be processed and released the same day.
“In advance sinasabi namin na, ‘Itong lalawigan, pupunta sa itong date ang DENR. Pakihanda itong mga requirements para sa mga permit, sa mga issuances na ito.’ Pagdala po ng mga ating mga kababayan, on the spot maaaring mai-issue na po ‘yung kanilang mga permits na ina-applyan,” Cuna said.
He said the DENR Express also addresses the reality that not all Filipinos have reliable internet access for online applications, ensuring that the shift to digital services does not leave behind residents in remote and underserved areas.
Cuna said the program not only makes government services accessible but also speeds up economic activity, as businesses waiting for environmental permits can now receive them faster and begin operating sooner.
