World · Philippines Bureau
Palawan oil, gas contracts spark marine conservation concerns
Environmental advocates warn that 14 petroleum service contracts in waters around Palawan pose significant risks to marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. The Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development has raised fresh alarm about the concentration of oil and gas activities in the biodiverse region.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Fourteen of the Philippines' 22 active petroleum service contracts are concentrated in waters surrounding Palawan, according to environmental monitoring by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED). The concentration has prompted fresh warnings about potential damage to marine biodiversity, protected areas, and coastal communities dependent on fishing and tourism.
The high density of oil and gas exploration and production activities represents a significant environmental concern for one of the country's most ecologically sensitive regions. Palawan's waters support diverse marine ecosystems and are home to protected species and habitats critical to regional food security.
CEED's findings underscore the tension between energy development initiatives and environmental protection in the Philippines. The report highlights risks posed by petroleum operations to vulnerable marine ecosystems and the subsistence livelihoods of coastal residents who depend on healthy fisheries.
The issue comes amid broader national debates over the Philippines' energy strategy and its commitment to environmental conservation. Authorities have not yet responded publicly to the environmental group's concerns regarding the concentration of petroleum contracts in Palawan waters.