DENR taps auditing firm PwC to fast-track digitalization

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has tapped global auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to review the agency’s permitting processes in a bid to streamline applications and fast track its digitalization agenda.

“We hired PwC Philippines to look at our process…,” DENR Undersecretary for Environment and Integrated Science Carlos Primo David told reporters at the sidelines of the Mining Philippines 2023 International Conference and Exhibition organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) on Tuesday.

David said PwC’s review will focus on eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks to hasten the permitting process.

"PwC just started and I think they will have three months to study and they are doing that per bureau. So by three months, we should have something for the MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau)," he said.

“I can’t say if it will be done by then but there should be enough information for us to fast-track,” he added.

The DENR official said pushing for digitalization is aimed at fast-tracking the permitting process.

“The processing of papers right now [is] admittedly still quite slow,” David said, noting that it typically takes about six months to facilitate an application for mineral exploration.

In a speech, on behalf of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, the Environment official said the agency “is targeting to complete the digitalization of all mining-related information and the processing of applications and permits by next year.”

Last month, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) is proposing the establishment of a one-stop shop for all bureaucratic permits and processes in the mining sector.

The one-stop shop is also seen to promote predictability in regulations as well as ease of doing business to support the mining sector’s growth.

“Digitization should address making our procedures more efficient, leading to shorter and more transparent processing permits and applications," David said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News