Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability, Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. (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 and protect the Verde Island Passage (VIP) — known as one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity areas.

“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,” said Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci.

Lucci said the agreement represents a major step toward uniting various sectors with a shared goal of responsibly managing biodiversity resources.

DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized that the partnership demonstrates how environmental protection and economic progress can go hand in hand.

“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 Garin echoed the sentiment, noting that the DOE supports initiatives aligning energy development with environmental protection.

“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,” Garin said.

The MOU outlines joint efforts to support the clean energy transition while safeguarding biodiversity and coastal ecosystems in the VIP. Both parties also committed to leveraging research and development programs for marine and terrestrial conservation, promoting sustainable resource use, and ensuring the responsible stewardship of the passage’s natural resources.

The agreement also recognizes Prime Infra Foundation and Prime Energy for adopting a “ridge-to-reef” approach, utilizing innovative and science-based methods to conserve both land and sea ecosystems within the Verde Island Passage.

Spanning the provinces of Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, and Occidental Mindoro, the Verde Island Passage is designated a priority conservation area under Executive Order No. 578. It is also being evaluated by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act (Republic Act No. 7586), as amended by Republic Act No. 11038.

In a related initiative, Prime Infra recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement and Deed of Donation with the DENR, pledging ₱6.225 million to support the agency’s Watershed Instrumentation Program. The donation will fund sensors, calibration equipment, fencing, and the installation of an automated weather station in the Upper Marikina River Watershed to enhance environmental monitoring.

“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.