₱37-M worth of mangrove, sea turtle projects sealed

Two Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) were signed by AboitizPower, through GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Provincial Government of Bataan (PGB), the local government units of Orani and Morong, and partner people’s organizations. The signing ceremony was held at Villa Encarnacion Resort & Events Place in Orani, Bataan on March 23, 2026.

The first agreement covers the seven-year Orani Mangrove Experimental Forest Project worth Php 24 million. It aims to expand AboitizPower’s adopted mangrove area by 12 hectares in Barangay Kabalutan, Orani, bringing the total to 32 hectares. Signatories include DENR Region III Assistant Regional Director Ricky Hernandez, Congressman Antonino Roman III, Orani Mayor Antonio “Jon” Arizapa Jr., AboitizPower GMEC-GNPD Vice President for Corporate Services Andrea Mellind Madrid, and Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association Chairperson Rosana Laxa.

Meanwhile, the second MOA extends the Sagip Pawikan Conservation and Protection Project, also known as Sagip PaWeCan, for another five years with a Php 13.4-million investment. The project aims to continue protecting sea turtles and their nesting sites along the coastal areas of Morong.

Among those who signed the agreement were Hernandez, Provincial Administrator Alicia Pizarro, Morong Mayor Leila Linao-Munoz, Andrea Mellind Madrid, and Sagip Pawikan Sitio Fuerte Association President Arnold Mendoza, highlighting the continued collaboration among the government, private sector, and local communities in protecting Bataan’s environment.