A total of 372 participants were successfully served during the two-day Bohol Investment Assistance Network (BIAN) Forum and DENR Permitting on Wheels, which concluded on May 13, 2026, at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Provincial Capitol.
The activity brought together government agencies, stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and members of the local furniture industry to streamline government services and strengthen environmental and business compliance in the province.
Conducted in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, the initiative delivered a wide range of frontline services, technical assistance, legal support, and permitting facilitation through participating national agencies and provincial offices.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) One-Stop Shop recorded significant engagement throughout the two-day activity.
Land Status services generated 70 inquiries, with 55 applications received and approved. Assistance for Wood Processing Plant Permit (WPPP) recorded 42 inquiries, while Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) services accommodated 25 inquiries, with all 25 applications received.
Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) services also posted strong participation with 41 inquiries and 41 applications received.
Additional environmental compliance services included 19 inquiries and applications received for Hazardous Waste concerns, as well as three inquiries and applications received for Pollution Control Officer (PCO) accreditation.
The DENR also accommodated two inquiries related to the Special Private Land Timber Permit (SPLTP) and Certificate of Tree Plantation Ownership (CTPO).
PGBh partner offices likewise extended assistance to participants during the activity.
Site Development services facilitated by the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) recorded 39 inquiries, all of which were received and approved.
Meanwhile, legal assistance was provided by the Provincial Legal Office (PLO), Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), and National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) Lawyers led by Board Member Atty. Jiselle Rae Aumentado-Villamor generated 100 inquiries, with all applications received and approved, making it one of the highest recorded service engagements during the event.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also supported entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises through its frontline services.
Business Name Registration recorded 18 inquiries, with all applications received and approved. The Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) program generated 10 inquiries, while Shared Service Facilities (SSF) and UPDATE Scope recorded one and two inquiries, respectively.
During the forum, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte announced that the Provincial Government of Bohol will allocate and donate a parcel of land dedicated exclusively to tree planting initiatives, reinforcing the province’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reforestation efforts.
DENR-CENRO Tagbilaran representative Glicerita Racho also recognized the cooperative group from the Municipality of Loboc for being the first cooperative to fully comply with all documentary and environmental requirements.
As recognition of its compliance, the cooperative was awarded a designated area for tree planting along with 5,000 classified tree seedlings.
The successful conduct of the BIAN Forum and DENR Permitting on Wheels reflects the continued commitment of the Provincial Government of Bohol, together with partner agencies, in improving ease of doing business, streamlining government processes, and supporting sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship across Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/RJG)
