MANILA: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the First Gen Corporation and ABS-CBN Foundation of the Lopez Group, has committed to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of the biodiversity and coastal marine resources of the Verde Island Passage (VIP). During the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday in Makati City, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga highlighted the importance of this agreement in strengthening public-private partnerships to protect the "center of the center" of marine biodiversity.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement includes scaling up monitoring capabilities of the passage to determine ongoing conditions. The MOU's provisions involve establishing a Marine Science Research Station in partnership with institutions such as the University of the Philippines System, De La Salle University, and the California Academy of Sciences.
It also calls for sustainable practices in project design and support programs in areas like conservation biology, waste management, sustainable water supply, transportation, and community resilience. Roberta Lopez-Feliciano, Managing Director of the ABS-CBN Foundation, emphasized that coastal residents are the most affected and invested in protecting the VIP. Loyzaga noted that local government units are already engaged in ensuring environmental protection and promoting social and economic development, with fishermen transitioning to eco-tourism as an alternative livelihood. Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla added that collaboration with stakeholders is essential to safeguarding the VIP while ensuring reliable and sustainable energy access during the country's transition to clean energy.
The Verde Island Passage, a critical waterway between the Luzon mainland and Mindoro Island, covers the provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, and Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. Spanning 1.4 million hectares, it is home to over 1,700 fish species and 300 coral species, making it a biodiversity hotspot and a crucial channel for commercial vessels, fishing, and ecotourism.