September 30, 2025 · Energy infrastructures may proceed in protected lands as long as they comply with environmental laws and regulations, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin explained in a statement. According to a Manila Bulletin report, this concerns recent issues surrounding the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape.
This issue was brought to light when Gemini Wind Energy Corp. (GWEC), a subsidiary of the Singaporean firm Vena Energy, proposed an onshore wind project that will span across 777 hectares, and affect a nearby national protected areaPH Laws & FrameworksProtected Areas (NIPAS)Lands and waters legally set aside for conservation under the National Integrated Protected Areas System — from national parks to protected seascapes.Read more in the Glossary →.
Garin assures concerned groups that the Department of EnergyPH Laws & FrameworksDOEThe agency steering the Philippine power mix — from the coal moratorium to renewable auctions, waste-to-energy proposals, and nuclear exploration.Read more in the Glossary → (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesPH Laws & FrameworksDENRThe national agency responsible for the Philippine environment — forests, protected areas, mining permits, pollution rules. Parent of the EMB and the Biodiversity Management Bureau.Read more in the Glossary → (DENR) are working closely to ensure the project’s compliance, and all proposals of similar nature.
“Renewable energyGlobal EssentialsRenewable EnergyEnergy from sources that replenish themselves — solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass. The Philippines targets a 35% renewable share by 2030 and 50% by 2040.Read more in the Glossary → projects may be developed in any location, including protected areas, so long as all regulatory requirements have been complied with, including, crucially, an Environmental Compliance CertificatePH Laws & FrameworksEnvironmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)The government's sign-off that a project's environmental impact has been assessed and is acceptable, required under the Philippine EIA system (PD 1586).Read more in the Glossary → (ECC) from the DENR,” she said.
