๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ ๐ โ The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the Provincial Government of Bataan, AboitizPowerโs GNPower Mariveles Energy Ltd. Co. (GMEC), GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD), local government units, and peopleโs organizations, signed two Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) to strengthen marine turtle protection and expand mangrove forest conservation efforts in Bataan.
The agreements cover the implementation of the Sagip Pawikan Conservation and Protection Project (SagipPaWeCan) in Morong and the adoption of an additional mangrove area in Orani, both aimed at protecting vital coastal ecosystems while promoting community participation and long-term environmental stewardship.
Under the SagipPaWeCan project, partners will safeguard marine turtle nesting habitats in Sitio Fuerte, Morong through hatchery management, habitat monitoring, coastal patrols, and environmental education activities.
Marine turtles, locally known as pawikan, play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems but remain threatened by climate change, poaching, and coastal development. Of the seven marine turtle species found worldwide, five occur in Philippine waters, including the critically endangered hawksbill and leatherback turtles.
To date, the Pawikan Sitio Fuerte Association has released more than 57,000 pawikan hatchlings into the waters of Bataan, reflecting the impact of sustained community-based conservation efforts in the area.
Complementing this initiative, the second MOA covers the adoption of an additional 12-hectare mangrove area in Sitio Pulo, Barangay Kabalutan, Orani.
The additional 12 hectares build on the initial 20 hectares adopted by AboitizPower in 2023. The project includes enrichment planting, habitat monitoring, protection activities, and livelihood opportunities for partner communities.
AboitizPower GMEC-GNPD Vice President for Corporate Services Andrea Mellind Madrid said the company has committed โฑ37.4 million to support the two initiatives.
โIt is not just about the power we generate, but the energy, care, and responsibility we give back to the communities we serve. Mahalaga po sa AboitizPower ang pagiging a responsible corporate citizen. Ang AboitizPower po ay hindi lamang negosyo na nagbibigay ng kuryente, kami po ay tunay na partner ng komunidad, tagapangalaga rin ng kalikasan, at katuwang ninyo sa pangmatagalang pag-unlad,โ Madrid said.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph C. Pablo, meanwhile, underscored the value of science-based and inclusive partnerships in sustaining coastal and marine resources.
โThe DENR is committed to building science-based, inclusive partnerships that protect biodiversity while empowering local communities. By ensuring compliance with national environmental laws and providing scientific and technical expertise, DENR is steering Bataanโs conservation projects toward long-term resilience and ecological integrity,โ Pablo said.
Both initiatives are being implemented under Project TRANSFORM, which promotes multi-stakeholder collaboration in building resilient and sustainable communities.
Present during the MOA signing were Bataan 1st District Congressman Antonino Roman, Orani Mayor Antonio Arizapa Jr., Morong Mayor Leila Linao-Muรฑoz, Provincial Government of Bataan Administrator Alice Pizarro, PGENRO-OIC Raphael De Leon, DENR Assistant Regional Director Ricky Hernandez, Bataan PENRO Raul Mamac, CENRO Bagac Brenda Clemente, Tubo-Tubo Fisherfolk Association Chairperson Rosana Laxa, and Sagip Pawikan Sitio Fuerte Association President Arnold Mendoza.
