LIFE

Raising the Bar: Isla Group Sets LPG Safety Standard in Batangas

Jefferson Fernando

Safety takes center stage as Isla Group unveils its most ambitious infrastructure to date, an advanced LPG import terminal in Batangas City designed to raise industry standards and secure the country’s growing energy needs.

At the core of the newly inaugurated Isla Import Terminals, Inc. (IITI) facility is a clear goal: to uphold what the company calls the “gold standard” in safety. Equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring systems, modern storage, and reinforced control mechanisms, the terminal ensures that every stage—from importation to distribution—meets the highest standards of operational security and environmental responsibility. The result is a facility that not only supports supply but safeguards it, delivering peace of mind to millions of Filipino households and industries.

More than a technical feat, the terminal reflects Isla Group’s long-standing commitment to reliable and secure energy. It reinforces Solane’s position as a trusted household name while strengthening LPG distribution nationwide.

During the inauguration, Isla Group CEO Tomoaki Asai underscored the project’s significance. “This terminal is far more than infrastructure—it is a symbol of our commitment to strengthening the nation’s energy supply, pursuing operational excellence, and working closely with our partners, government, and communities,” he said.

Strategically located in Barangay Libjo, Batangas City, the IITI terminal serves as a critical hub linking international LPG supply with local demand. As the most advanced facility in Isla Group’s network, it ensures reliable access to high-quality LPG—from large industries to everyday kitchens.

For Citadel Pacific Ltd. President and CEO Jose Ricardo Delgado, the project fulfills a vision more than a decade in the making. “We hope to use this facility to support South Luzon and improve logistics for the entire industry,” he said, noting that their LPG tanker partnership with Magsaysay Shipping will further enhance nationwide delivery.

The terminal also marks a shift toward diversified supply. By accommodating cargo from Filipino-Japanese joint ventures, including ITOCHU Corporation, it reduces reliance on traditional sources and strengthens energy security.

Masaya Tanaka, President of ITOCHU Corporation’s Energy & Chemicals Company, highlighted its long-term impact: “This project strengthens energy security, safety, and supply stability in the Philippines. It will serve as a vital starting point for distributing energy across the archipelago.”

The inauguration brought together key public and private stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to national development.

Anchored on its “Empowering Progress” initiative, Isla Group continues to champion access to clean, safe, and efficient energy, supporting households, small businesses, and industries alike.

With the launch of the IITI terminal, Isla Group reinforces its role in the Philippine energy sector, prioritizing safety as much as supply, and signaling readiness to engage partners in shaping the country’s energy future.