13-8-2023 (MANILA) A coalition of groups dedicated to safeguarding the Verde Island Passage (VIP) has called upon President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to put an end to coastal reclamation activities in Batangas province. The reclamation projects are aimed at constructing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and power plants. In a statement, the Protect Verde Island Passage coalition urged Marcos to instruct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to review the status of gas terminals in the ecologically rich yet delicate marine corridor. They emphasized the need to consider the displacement of coastal communities and the destruction of marine habitats.
Edwin Gariguez, the lead convenor of Protect VIP, highlighted the detrimental effects of ongoing reclamation projects on the marine ecosystem. He stated that these projects result in turbid waters, endangering seagrasses, coral reefs, and marine fauna. VIP boasts the highest concentration of marine life per unit area and is renowned as the center of marine shore fish diversity worldwide. It spans the coastlines of Batangas, Romblon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro.
Protect VIP expressed concerns that the marine corridor could potentially house over 20 gas facilities, with five existing gas plants already located in Batangas City. The coalition warned that expanding fossil gas projects would contribute to increased carbon emissions, which could alter the pH level of the seas and potentially lead to ocean acidification.
The Philippines is ramping up the development of infrastructure to support LNG imports in anticipation of the depletion of the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project. Earlier, environmental advocates and locals sought the declaration of VIP as a legislated protected area. They also called for guidelines designating certain parts of the marine ecosystem as non-attainment areas under the Clean Water Act, following an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.
Last week, President Marcos announced the suspension of all reclamation projects in Manila, except for one unspecified project. The DENR clarified that all 22 reclamation projects in the area are currently suspended pending a government review of their environmental and social impacts. Scientists and environmental advocates have long highlighted the disruptive impact of reclamation on coastal and marine ecosystems, exacerbating vulnerabilities faced by coastal communities.
“Both Manila Bay and the Verde Island Passage are vital ecological hotspots and fishing grounds,” emphasized Gariguez.
