THE government’s protection and conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding the Verde Island Passage, one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, received a significant boost when the Lopez Group reaffirmed its commitment as a corporate steward of what has been described as natural treasure.

The power producer First Gen Corporation (First Gen) and the ABS-CBN Foundation, both of the Lopez Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Energy (DOE) in a partnership “for the conservation, protection and enhancement of biodiversity and coastal marine resources of the VIP.”

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga expressed gratitude for the Lopez Group's renewed commitment to safeguarding the Verde Island Passage (VIP), acknowledging their invaluable efforts in preserving this ecological gem for 20 years. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) formalizes the group’s collaboration with the government, cementing their shared dedication to preserving what she described as a "natural treasure." 

“This agreement underscores the Lopez Group's unwavering support and advocacy for the conservation of the Philippines' natural resources, particularly the vital marine biodiversity found within the VIP. By partnering with the private sector, the government aims to strengthen its initiatives to protect the ecosystem. This collective effort not only benefits the coastal communities surrounding the VIP but also ensures a sustainable environment for future generations of Filipinos,” she said.