PHOTO: MFI Executive Director Karen Agabin (fourth from left), Prime Infra Sustainability Senior Manager Abby Bonita (third from left) and Pinamalayan Mayor Rodolfo Magsino (second from right) during the turnover of a community water refilling station in Barangay Ranzo, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, on Aug. 13. The facility will generate income for the community, with a portion of net profits supporting marine conservation.
Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI), the social arm of the Malampaya joint venture partners, together with the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGO) and local governments of Pinamalayan and Gloria, has launched two community-run enterprises in Oriental Mindoro that provide livelihoods while supporting the protection of local marine ecosystems.
The projects, inaugurated Aug. 13 in Pinamalayan and Gloria, include a water refilling station and coastal tourist huts that will generate income for local fisherfolk. Between 10% and 15% of net profits will be reinvested in marine conservation initiatives.
In Barangay Ranzo, Pinamalayan, MFI turned over a community water refilling station to the Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Ranzo. The facility provides clean drinking water to residents of Ranzo and nearby villages and builds on a community water system rehabilitated in 2025 through a partnership among MFI, Manila Water Foundation, PAGO and local government units.
In Barangay Agsalin, Gloria, MFI turned over three concrete coastal tourist huts to the Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Agsalin. Built to withstand extreme weather conditions, the structures replace wooden huts damaged by typhoons and support the community’s sustainable ecotourism program.
Both fisherfolk associations have been MFI conservation partners since 2013, reflecting the foundation’s long-term approach to linking conservation and livelihood development as part of a sustainable financing mechanism for marine protected areas (MPAs).
“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.”
The inaugurations 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, barangay officials and members of partner people’s organizations.
The MPAs of Ranzo and Agsalin were recognized as Para El Mar Champions in the Locally Managed category in 2025 and 2017, respectively, for effective MPA management and demonstrated ecological recovery.
For Prime Energy, the projects demonstrate how its commitment to responsible resource development extends beyond its core energy operations. Through MFI, the company supports community-led initiatives that create sustainable livelihoods while strengthening long-term stewardship of coastal and marine resources.
