1,238 Simonians get PhilHealth MDRs
SAN SIMON – A total of 1,238 indigent Simonians on Wednesday received their ticket to free medical care through the “Alaga Ka, para sa Maayos na Buhay” program of the provincial government and Philippine Health Corporation (PhilHealth).
The EPA officials, headed by their President Leslie T. Baun of International Wiring Systems Phils. Corp. (IWSPC) and Vice-President Rogelio M. Magat of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), expressed full support to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) administrative order.
Cimatu issued the order to authorize regional DENR offices to issue ECCs to requesting firms.
During the time of former Secretary Gina Lopez, all ECC requests will have to be evaluated by DENR central office and not the concerned region.
Magat said the directive of Cimatu lifted the burden of project proponents whose applications for ECCs remained pending at the central and regional offices.
He added that ECC applications of some Clark Freeport locators were also delayed by the required centralized processing of ECCs at the EMB Head Office in Quezon City, since February 2017 even for non-environmentally critical projects.
Before February 2017, only environmentally critical projects were required to secure ECC at the EMB Head Office, while other projects secure their ECCs only from regional offices or through on-line applications.
The EPA even denied reports that centralized processing of ECCs at EMB Head Office was prompted by alleged anomalies or corruption in the EMB regional offices.
Magat said that the prompt issuance of DAO 2017-18 clearly sends a message that the Duterte government is serious in promoting the ease of doing business in the country.
The EPA, together with its more than 80 member companies in various industries from the Metro Clark, Bataan, Subic, Bulacan and Metro Manila areas are very optimistic that DAO 201708 will address the derailed developmental undertakings of companies which could have immediately started their positive contribution to the economy.
The EPA also praised Cimatu for his resolve to adhere to President Duterte’s directive to fast track the issuance of government permits and licenses, which is a major leap towards cutting the red tape in the bureaucracy and making the entire government more responsive to the needs of the people.
The group also said that Cimatu’s execution of good governance makes them more inspired and challenged to contribute to the economic development under the Duterte government.
The EPA member companies pledged their full support to the other undertakings of the DENR like its banner programs on air quality, water quality and solid waste management.
The EPA has been active in promoting the National Greening Program and Adopt-an-Estero Program of the DENR and the Eco-Eskwela Program of the EMB Region III.
The EPA has partnered with the EMB Region III in the conduct of bi-annual recyclables collection event and proper collection of special hazardous wastes management including electronic wastes for treatment and recycling or re-use, since 2003.