Malampaya Foundation, Inc. (MFI), the social arm of the Malampaya joint venture partners, joined hands with the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGO) and the municipal governments of Pinamalayan and Gloria to launch two community-run social enterprises in Oriental Mindoro aimed at boosting local livelihoods while financing marine ecosystem protection.
The projects, formally inaugurated on August 13, 2026, consist of a community water refilling station and weather-resilient coastal tourist huts designed to generate sustainable income streams for local fisherfolk. Under the agreement, between 10% and 15% of net profits from these enterprises will be directly reinvested into local marine protected area (MPA) conservation initiatives.
In Barangay Ranzo, Pinamalayan, MFI turned over the community water refilling station to the Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Ranzo. The facility delivers clean drinking water to residents of Ranzo and adjacent villages, expanding on a community water system rehabilitated in 2025 through a collaborative partnership among MFI, the Manila Water Foundation, PAGO and local government units.
In Barangay Agsalin, Gloria, three newly constructed concrete coastal tourist huts were turned over to the Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Agsalin. Built to withstand extreme weather and harsh coastal conditions, these durable structures replace former wooden huts damaged by past typhoons, providing a robust infrastructure boost to the community’s ecotourism program.
Both fisherfolk associations have served as active conservation partners with MFI since 2013. The long-term partnership highlights MFI’s strategy of coupling livelihood generation with coastal resource management to build self-sustaining financing mechanisms for local MPAs.
“Supporting livelihoods is an important part of sustaining conservation efforts,” said MFI Executive Director Karen Agabin. “By helping communities establish viable enterprises, we are also helping them continue the work of protecting their marine ecosystems.”
The inauguration ceremonies were attended by Pinamalayan Mayor Rodolfo Magsino, Gloria Mayor Teresita Ong, PAGO representative Belnavie Sodayi, MFI Executive Director Karen Agabin, Prime Infra Sustainability Senior Manager Abby Bonita, alongside local barangay officials and members of partner people’s organizations.
The two partner communities hold a track record of ecological stewardship. The MPAs of Ranzo and Agsalin were awarded as Para El Mar Champions in the Locally Managed category in 2025 and 2017, respectively, honoring their effective MPA management practices and measurable biological recovery.
For Prime Energy, these community-led endeavors reflect its broader commitment to responsible resource development beyond core energy operations, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can foster community stewardship over vital coastal and marine resources.