ENERGY Secretary Sharon S. Garin reaffirms her firm stance on strict environmental compliance for all renewable energy projects — including those located in protected areas such as the Pan-as Watershed in Calbayog City.
Secretary Garin emphasized that no project can move forward without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the DENR, underscoring the DOE’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and ensuring transparency with local communities.
📌 Below is the full statement issued today
Statement of Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin on upholding strict environmental rules for renewable energy projects
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin firmly reiterates her position on renewable energy projects in protected areas, following a recent interview and subsequent online discussions, regarding the proposed onshore wind power project in the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (Calbayog Watershed).
“Renewable energy projects may be developed in any location, including protected areas, so long as all regulatory requirements have been complied with, including, crucially, an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),” said Secretary Garin.
She underscored the DOE’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the environment and emphasized DENR’s critical role in the approval process. All energy developments must undergo a rigorous environmental compliance process and secure DENR clearance before moving forward.
The DOE upholds strict adherence to all environmental laws and regulations. An ECC issued by the DENR is mandatory before any construction can begin, and the DOE relies on DENR’s expert assessment to ensure full compliance with environmental standards and policies.
Secretary Garin further calls on all energy developers to uphold the highest environmental standards and to maintain transparent, constructive dialogue with local communities.
