CHRISTMAS IN TACLOBAN. Tacloban City Mayor hopes to see Tacloban more developed and peaceful in 2025 as he led the giant Christmas Tree Lighting Program on Friday (Dec. 6) night at the City Hall grounds.

1st LGU in PH

TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar has commended the House of Representatives for advancing legislative measures to institutionalize Green Lanes for strategic investments, aligning with the province’s groundbreaking efforts in implementing a localized version of the initiative.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan expressed support for the proposed national framework under Executive Order No. 18, highlighting its potential to streamline the investment process and bolster the country’s economic landscape.

“The Green Lane policy is a strategic tool to attract high-value investments that drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and foster sustainable development. Our experience in Northern Samar demonstrates how this approach can transform local economies and create a business-friendly environment,” Ongchuan said on Saturday, December 7.

Northern Samar is the first province in the Philippines to introduce the Green Lane policy.
Gov. Ongchuan issued Executive Order No. 24 on January 12, 2024, establishing the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), led by Jan Allen Berbon, as the agency spearheading the initiative.

The creation of Green Lanes for strategic investment is mandated under Executive Order No. 18, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on February 23, 2023.

The order defines strategic investments as those aligned with the Philippine Development Plan or similar frameworks and characterized by significant capital or substantial economic impact.

Since launching its Green Lane program in January 2024, PEDIPO has facilitated 11 major investments worth over P200 billion, generating employment opportunities among the locals.

These projects, which are in various stages of development, include hybrid rice farming, aquaculture development, common tower construction, and renewable energy ventures such as wind and tidal energy projects, among others.

The fast-tracked approval process ensures that simple transactions are completed within three working days, complex transactions in seven days, and highly technical transactions within 20 days, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays.

“By streamlining the approval process, we signal our commitment to facilitating impactful projects efficiently. This approach not only attracts investors but also aligns with our goals of economic progress, infrastructure development, and environmental stewardship,” Ongchuan added.

Congress, as contained under House Bill 8039 or the Green Lane for Strategic Investments Act, is currently deliberating a bill to institutionalize Green Lanes nationwide, addressing delays in over 90 pending projects valued at nearly P2 trillion.

Under HB 8039, all relevant national government agencies, regional and provincial offices, local government units, and quasi-judicial bodies will be required to establish or designate a Green Lane within their offices.

This lane will be responsible for expediting the processing and issuance of permits and licenses for strategic investments endorsed by the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI).

JOEY A. GABIETA