Green groups wary as gov’t partners with gas giants for VIP protection

Fisherfolk hold a protest in the waters of Batangas City on April 22, Earth Day to denounce the expansion of fossil gas plants and liquefied natural gas terminal in the area.MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Tuesday announced a partnership with the country’s three largest conglomerates to protect and conserve the Verde Island Passage , a move met with concern due to the companies’ gas projects in the area.

The VIP, located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, is home to over 1,700 marine species, including 60% of the world’s shore fish species and 300 coral species. According to the DENR, the partnership with the conglomerates aims to improve the lives of communities who depend on the VIP, ensuring their voices are heard through open dialogue, and promoting sustainable access and use of coastal and marine resources.

“We must make sure that—in our quest to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy to our people—we also pay attention to safeguarding the environment and the communities we serve,” MPIC President and CEO Manuel Pangilinan said.Groups, however, expressed reservations with the government’s partnership with the three conglomerates, who earlier teamed up to develop the country’s “first and most expansive” liquefied natural gas facility in Batangas.

Five of the six existing gas facilities, four of the seven proposed LNG terminals, and nine of the 39 planned gas power plants in the country are located in Batangas. Arances said the DENR should instead prioritize the inclusion of the VIP as a protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area Systems .

Source: Energy Industry News (energyindustrynews.net)

Liquefied Natural Gas Verde Island Passage

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