The Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI), the social development arm of the Malampaya gas project joint venture, has launched two community-run enterprises in Oriental Mindoro—combining steady livelihoods for local residents with ongoing marine conservation work.
Partnering with the Provincial Agriculture Office and the local governments of Pinamalayan and Gloria, MFI turned over a water refilling station and three weather-resilient coastal tourist huts to local fisherfolk associations this week, marking another milestone in more than a decade of community partnership.
The water refilling station, given to the Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Ranzo in Pinamalayan, delivers safe, clean drinking water to residents and nearby villages. It builds on a community water system first rehabilitated in 2025 through a collaboration with the Manila Water Foundation and local government units.
In Gloria, three concrete tourist huts were handed over to the Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Agsalin, replacing older wooden structures destroyed by typhoons. Built to withstand extreme weather, the facilities will support the area’s sustainable ecotourism program.
Under the agreement, 10 to 15 percent of net profits from both enterprises will be reinvested directly into marine conservation efforts. Both fisherfolk groups have worked as MFI conservation partners since 2013.
“Supporting livelihoods is an important part of sustaining conservation efforts,” said Karen Agabin, MFI executive director. “By helping communities establish viable enterprises, we are also helping them continue the work of protecting their marine ecosystems.”
Prime Energy, the upstream natural gas arm of Prime Infra and a majority stakeholder in the Malampaya project, noted the initiatives show how responsible resource development extends beyond core energy operations. Prime Infra is the infrastructure investment platform of the Razon Group, with Prime Energy holding a combined 90 percent operating interest in the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project under Service Contract No. 38.
In a related development, Prime Infra announced it has appointed a decorated energy executive as a new member of its board of directors. The move underscores the company’s drive to strengthen leadership and strategic oversight across its energy and sustainable development portfolio, which includes community-focused initiatives such as those led by MFI.
For ordinary residents, the projects mean more reliable income, improved access to clean water, and stronger community assets better able to withstand natural disasters—all while protecting the marine environments many depend on for food and livelihood.
