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 (NIPAS), from national parks to protected seascapes.Read more in the Glossary →.
Garin assures concerned groups that the Department of EnergyPH Laws & FrameworksDepartment of Energy (DOE)The Philippine agency governing the national power mix, energy security, and fuel exploration. It directs the energy transition through renewable energy auctions, grid modernization policies, and the regulation of fossil fuel phase-outs, directly shaping the investment landscape for power generation and storage infrastructure.Read more in the Glossary → (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesPH Laws & FrameworksDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)The Philippine executive department managing forests, protected areas, mining permits, and pollution control. It is the primary regulatory counterparty for environmental compliance, natural capital valuation, and the issuance of permits governing resource extraction and land-use changes.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 derived from naturally replenishing sources (solar, wind, geothermal, hydro).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)A mandatory legal document issued by the DENR-EMB certifying that a proposed project has undergone an Environmental Impact Assessment and committed to an Environmental Management Plan. It is a critical gating item for project financing, land acquisition, and operational licensing in the Philippines.Read more in the Glossary → (ECC) from the DENR,” she said.
