October 31, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy has officially unveiled the local government unit ordinance template, designed to cut red tape in LGUs in a bid to streamline the permitting process for power infrastructure projects.
DOE Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol said the initiative would empower LGUs to play a vital role in energy project development by simplifying the lengthy permitting procedures that stand in the way of developers.
“Streamlined permitting processes enable communities to achieve more rapid progress, leading to improved power supply and stronger local economies,” Capongcol said.
The standardized framework will provide LGUs with a definite and transparent timeframe for the issuance of resolutions to ensure predictable timelines for project implementation.
“Our objective is to establish a permitting process that is both efficient and strategic – one that empowers local communities while advancing the country’s long-term energy security,” Capongcol said.
At the national level, the DOE grants national significance certifications to energy projects with a capital investment of at least P3.5 billion in a bid to expedite licensing and permit processing.
Likewise, the Board of Investments awards green lane certificates to ensure the timely realization of high-impact projects.
These certifications, however, often fall short in overcoming local government barriers, resulting in unnecessary delays for various power projects.
With this ordinance template, the DOE aims to address the persistent delays in the approval of power projects at the local government level.
“The DOE remains steadfast in fostering collaboration with local governments and stakeholders to strengthen local participation, align policies with national goals and ensure that energy projects bring sustainable socio-economic benefits to every community,” it said.