THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) to expedite the approval process for renewable energy (RE) projects, amid energy supply challenges.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DILG said the directive aims to remove bureaucratic delays and improve coordination between national government agencies and LGUs to accelerate the rollout of clean energy investments.
RE projects covered by the policy include solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass facilities, as well as energy storage systems and other infrastructure designed to produce sustainable power.
Through a memorandum circular, the DILG introduced revised guidelines intended to simplify documentary requirements and clarify procedures for project proponents seeking local approval. The department said the measure is designed to eliminate redundant requirements and speed up processing times at the local level.
Under the new directive, LGUs are required to issue a standardized Resolution of No Objection (RONO) through the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan.
The RONO will replace the previous Letter of No Objection issued by local chief executives and will serve as formal confirmation of the LGU’s support for proposed RE projects.
The circular also limits the approval process to a maximum of three steps for applicants: submission of requirements, issuance of an order of payment and payment of fees together with release of the RONO.
LGUs are required to act on renewable energy applications within 45 working days from receipt of complete documents. In cases of disapproval, LGUs must issue a written explanation and identify corrective measures that applicants may undertake.
