MGI, UPLB ink watershed management agreement

Maibarara Geothermal Inc., which is developing a P2.8-billion geothermal power plant in Mt. Makiling, signed last week an agreement with the University of the Philippines Los Baños for the proper and effective watershed management at the Maibarara service contract area in Batangas.

PetroEnergy Resources Corp., which owns a 65-percent stake in MGI, said in a statement that the memorandum of understanding signed by the two parties would allow MGI to extend financial and logistical assistance for UPLB’s watershed research and reforestation activities.

UPLB, for its part, will assist MGI in watershed rehabilitation, management and information campaigns.

MGI is developing an integrated 20-megawatt steam field and power plant in the service contract area, which covers a portion of the Makiling Forest Reserve. All the power infrastructure development, however, will be outside the forest reserve, PetroEnergy stressed.

UPLB has control, jurisdiction and administration of the Makiling Forest Reserve by virtue of Republic Act 6967.

“Although none of our project facilities will be inside the forest reserve, MGI is delighted to work with UPLB in ensuring a healthy watershed in our service contract area which is vital to groundwater recharge and sustainability of the geothermal reservoir,” said MGI president Francisco G. Delfin Jr.

UPLB Chancellor Rex Victor O. Cruz welcomed the partnership and assistance by MGI, saying they would be helpful to UPLB in fulfilling its mandate to protect and conserve the Makiling Forest Reserve.

“The MOU demonstrates how renewable energy development advances the cause of environmental protection in the country,” said Energy Undersecretary Jose M. Layug Jr.—Amy R. Remo