Ang Pahayagan

QUEZON CITY — Environmental groups, church organizations, and resort owners staged a protest in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office on April 29, 2026, opposing the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal project of Pryce Gases, Inc. (PGI) in Batangas.

The protesters included the Association of Lobo Resort Owners and Tourist Accommodation (ALOROTA), Archdiocesan Ministry on Environment (AMEN), Clean and Healthy Air for All Batangueños (CABATANG), and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), among others. They urged the DENR to cancel the project’s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), citing environmental risks and alleged lack of public consultation.

Residents of Barangay Banalo in Lobo, Batangas, who joined the protest, said the LPG terminal being constructed in Barangay Talahib Pandayan, Batangas City, is located near communities and a school, raising concerns over potential health and safety hazards.

They also warned of possible environmental damage to the Verde Island Passage and the Banalo Coral Reef Sanctuary due to risks of waste discharge and oil spills from LPG shipments.

CABATANG representative Restituto Bobadilla said the group welcomed the DENR’s earlier issuance of a cease and desist order in January 2026, which temporarily halted construction of the facility, but stressed that a permanent cancellation is necessary.

“We have long endured the impacts of fossil-fueled projects. We are pushing for the project’s full cancellation due to violations and the harm it may bring to communities and the environment,” Bobadilla said.

Local officials in Lobo previously conducted a committee hearing on March 2, 2026, where PGI pledged to comply with safety requirements and secure necessary permits. However, residents maintained that assurances are not enough and called for stronger protection from risks associated with LPG facilities.

Environmental and health concerns were also raised, noting that LPG is highly flammable and may pose dangers such as fire, explosions, and air pollution, including the release of harmful substances like formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide.

PMCJ Batangas lead Jonathan Biay said the project site is located about 40 meters from residential areas, underscoring the need for thorough consultation and community consent.

Biay also cited previous opposition to fossil fuel projects in the province, noting that two liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects were withdrawn in 2025 following public resistance.

Earlier, on April 18, residents, resort owners, and church groups in Lobo held a mass rally opposing the LPG terminal, warning that it could threaten the town’s marine ecosystems, forests, and tourism industry.

As of posting, PGI has yet to issue a new statement following the protest.