News

Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability, Prime Infra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to conserve, protect, and enhance the biodiversity and coastal resources of the Verde Island Passage (VIP). 

“With the Verde Island Passage MOU, 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. 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. 

According to Lucci, the agreement is a complete step towards uniting sectors with shared commitment of responsibly managing biodiversity resources.

DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla meanwhile stated that the agreement is an affirmation that environmental stewardship and economic development must go together, highlighting that protecting the Verde Island Passage 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.”

“The DOE continues to support initiatives that align energy development with environmental protection, ensuring that the transition to cleaner sources remains both responsible and sustainable,” said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. 

Among the objectives of both parties outlined in the MOU included support for the clean energy transition while protecting and enhancing the natural resources in the VIP, leveraging existing biodiversity research and development programs, and committing to the joint responsible stewardship, sustainable access, and use of VIP’s coastal and marine resources. 

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 Verde Island Passage, 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 No. 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 (Republic Act No. 7586), as amended by Republic Act No. 11038.

Prime Infra also recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement and Deed of Donation with DENR, committing Php6.225 million in support of the agency’s Watershed Instrumentation Program. 

The agreement enables 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.

“In both partnerships the principle is the same—by combining our strength, we can address challenges with solutions that are practical today and resilient for the future,” Lucci said.