Northern Samar Leads with Green Lane Policy
TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar has become the first local government in the Philippines to officially institutionalize its green lane policy, a bold move designed to streamline business processes and attract strategic investments. This investor-centered framework aims to boost the province’s economic growth and competitiveness.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan signed Ordinance No. 7 on June 13 during the province’s 60th founding anniversary investment forum, witnessed by investors and development partners. The green lane policy is at the heart of Northern Samar’s push to become a prime destination for renewable energy and other impactful investments.
Revolutionizing Investment Processes
Conceived by Gov. Ongchuan and executed by the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office under Jhon Allen Berbon, the policy represents more than just procedural efficiency. “This is more than an efficiency upgrade. It is a deliberate shift toward a pro-investment governance model that values responsiveness, accountability, and sustainability,” the governor emphasized during the signing event.
By institutionalizing the green lane policy, Northern Samar aims to change its economic narrative—from a province perceived as disadvantaged to a thriving hub offering sustainable and investor-friendly growth in Eastern Visayas.
Key Features of the Green Lane Policy
Central to the policy is a “single point of entry” system. This approach allows investment proposals to be processed first at the provincial level before coordination with respective municipal governments. This innovation effectively reduces bureaucratic delays and speeds up turnaround times.
Moreover, the ordinance introduces simultaneous permit processing, enabling investors to complete requirements in parallel rather than sequentially. It also empowers the provincial government to issue permits for strategic projects, especially those in the renewable energy sector.
Comprehensive Incentives to Attract Investors
Beyond streamlining procedures, the green lane policy offers a wide range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. These include exemptions from business taxes, real property taxes, and permit fees for up to five years, providing significant financial relief to investors.
Non-fiscal benefits include assistance with investment promotion, marketing support, investor servicing, and aftercare programs to ensure long-term partnership success. These incentives strengthen the province’s appeal as a business-friendly environment.
National and International Recognition
The green lane policy has gained attention beyond provincial borders. President Marcos has recognized the initiative twice, first in July 2024 and again in March 2025, highlighting it as a model for ease of doing business in the Philippines.
International financial institutions such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank have also praised the ordinance. They endorse it as a potential blueprint for other local governments aiming to enhance their investment climates and as a standard for future policy-based grants, local leaders noted.
For more news and updates on Northern Samar’s green lane policy, visit Filipinokami.com.