Singapore-based renewable energy company, VENA Energy, has responded to concerns raised by caretakers of the Masungi Georeserve conservation area regarding its planned wind energy project. The company asserts that it followed all necessary procedures and obtained the required permits before conducting a wind study in the area.
In response to calls for the revocation of government permits and certifications for the project, VENA Energy emphasizes its commitment to adhering to all government regulations and mandatory testing and compliance. The company states that it has taken the necessary steps to ensure that its operations are in line with local laws and regulations.
Over the course of four years, the Rizal Wind Farm project has obtained various permits and clearances. These include an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the local office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, a Certificate of Registration by the Board of Investments, and a Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) to Conduct Studies and a Certification Precondition for Studies issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
Furthermore, VENA Energy has acquired clearances from the Protected Area Management Boards of UMRBPL (Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape), the KRFR (Kaliwa River Forest Reserve), and from the PP1636 itself (Presidential Proclamation 1636). The company has also received resolutions of support from the host villages and the municipality of Tanay.
To ensure the project’s compliance with the rights and interests of indigenous communities, VENA Energy has obtained the FPIC of the Dumagat/Remontado IPs of Antipolo and Tanay. The company engaged in an extensive consultation process with the IP communities, elders, and chieftains of both ancestral domains, ultimately reaching agreements that were signed by all parties involved.
These consultations were initially conducted through an Environmental Impact Assessment, and ongoing dialogues have taken place among the host communities in Tanay and Antipolo, as well as with various stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government units of Antipolo and Tanay.
Addressing concerns about the project’s location, VENA Energy clarified that it is not building in the karst area of Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. The company remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders to address any outstanding issues and move forward with the project.
In light of recent issues directed towards the company, VENA Energy reassures the public that it maintains open dialogue with stakeholders and is committed to working with concerned parties to achieve the common good. With 900 employees across 79 corporate and site offices in the Asia-Pacific region, VENA Energy has been operating in the Philippines for over a decade. The company is dedicated to owning, developing, constructing, operating, managing, and commercializing renewable energy projects throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
As VENA Energy continues its wind energy project in the Masungi Georeserve, it remains committed to upholding environmental regulations and engaging with local communities to ensure the sustainable development of renewable energy sources.
Source: The Manila Times
