PRIME Infrastructure Capital Inc. has committed to conserve, protect and enhance the biodiversity and coastal resources of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with government agencies. In the MOU with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Energy (DOE), the Razon-led firm said it will fully support the clean energy transition while protecting and enhancing the natural resources in the VIP. Prime Infra also vowed to leverage existing biodiversity research and development programs and commit to the joint responsible stewardship, sustainable access and use of the VIP’s coastal and marine resources.
With the agreement, ‘we are joining hands with partners to protect what is often called the ‘center of the center’ of marine shore fish biodiversity of the world,’ read a statement issued by Prime Infra.
The VIP is a national asset whose protection is vital not just for our environment, but for the livelihoods and well-being of our people,’ Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci said.
The MOU also recognizes Prime Infra Foundation and Prime Energy’s ‘ridge-to-reef’ approach and employing of innovative technology and science-based methods for marine and terrestrial conservation within the VIP.
The VIP, which spans the provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, is highly prioritized for protection and conservation by virtue of Executive Order 578. The strait is subject to the conduct of the ‘Protected Areas Suitability Assessment’ by the Biodiversity Management Bureau under the National Integrated Protected Areas System, or Republic Act (RA) 7586, as amended by RA 11038.
DENR Secretary Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla said the agreement is an affirmation that environmental stewardship and economic development must go together, highlighting that protecting the VIP is a responsibility shared not just nationally, but globally.
‘This partnership commits us to concrete actions for conservation, habitat, restoration, sustainable resource use and community engagement,’ Lotilla said. ‘Therefore, we send a clear message that industry and government can unite to safeguard our natural heritage for present and future generations.’
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the DOE is fully supportive with initiatives that align with energy development with environmental protection while ensuring that the transition to cleaner sources remains both responsible and sustainable.
Prime Infra also recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement and Deed of Donation with the DENR, committing P6.225 million in support of the agency’s watershed instrumentation program.
The agreement enables the DENR to procure necessary sensors, instruments, calibration, and fencing, as well as, installing an automated weather station in the Upper Marikina River watershed to implement the watershed program.