DENR, ABS-CBN and First Gen Corporation Join Forces to Protect the Verde Island Passage

In partnership with First Gen Corporation and the ABS-CBN Foundation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) bolsters efforts for the conservation of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) in Southern Luzon.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Rockwell, Makati by both public and private sectors to protect its endangered marine ecosystem.

The signors were DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla, First Gen Chairman Federico Lopez, and ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Roberta Lopez-Feliciano.

Yulo-Loyzaga states, “Among the items. in the memorandum of understanding is the creation of a marine scientific research center

The DENR chief anticipates a strengthening of preservation initiatives in the VIP. Considered the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity, Yulo-Loyzaga expresses her appreciation to First Gen and ABS-CBN Foundation for 20 years of working to protect the VIP and partnering with them to expedite its conservation.

“First Gen and the ABS-CBN Foundation are the pioneers of this protected area in terms of the support, science and championing of ESG [environmental, social, governance framework] and climate action. The Sea Institute was established [through the] work of former DENR Secretary Gina Lopez in 2009,” Yulo-Loyzaga said.

She adds, “First Gen and the ABS-CBN Foundation are the pioneers of this protected area in terms of the support, science and championing of ESG [environmental, social, governance framework] and climate action. The Sea Institute was established [through the] work of former DENR Secretary Gina Lopez in 2009.”

Lopez acknowledges the need for multiple partnerships to sustain the level of conservation required for the VIP. First gen is the top renewable energy provider in the country. He says, “Protecting and conserving our natural resources such as the VIP requires genuine collaboration among government, private sector, all stakeholders, especially at this time. Solving the climate crisis should be our end goal.”

Lopez Feliciano discussed that among their action plan is to involve the communities residing within the VIP. She aims to include the fisherfolk families as a part of this shared goal. She says, “Our aim has always been to best address the complex issues that face the communities along the VIP, develop their understanding and nurture their respect and love for the sea. We knew that protection and conservation needed to be woven into the lives of the people and local government,”

Among the enthusiastic persons for this agreement is Energy Sec. Raphael Lotilla, who is pleased that corporations are doing their part to create a sustainable future. Other companies such as Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, and Aboitiz Equity Ventures have also signed similar MOUs.

“We must make sure that we take all steps together with all stockholders to protect the environment,’ Lotilla said.

Apart from its marine biodiversity, the VIP is a promising as a source of renewable energy due to the strong winds in the area.

Source: First Gen, ABS-CBN Foundation partner with DENR, DOE to protect Verde Island Passage