Manila: The Board of Investments (BOI) has granted endorsement certificates for green lane treatment to four renewable energy projects of Vena Energy, with combined investments amounting to PHP75 billion. Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo delivered the certificates to Vena Energy’s units, Opus Solar Energy Corp., Gemini Wind Energy Corp., and Ixus Solar Energy Corp.
According to Philippines News Agency, Opus Solar is set to develop a 416-megawatt-peak (MWp) Opus Solar Power project, while Ixus Solar will construct the 301-MWp Aguila Solar Power and the 474-MW Bugallon Solar Power projects. Vena Energy’s wind energy unit, Gemini Wind Energy Corp., is also investing in the 200-MW Gemini Wind Power Project. These renewable energy projects are expected to generate 8,000 jobs.
As of February 19, the BOI has issued green lane endorsements for 184 strategic investments, with capital totaling PHP4.61 trillion. This initiative follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 18, issued in February 2023, which mandates the creation of green lanes to streamline the process of obtaining permits and licenses, and to resolve strategic investment issues.
In related developments, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso Panga announced on Facebook that Chinese firm Panhua and the Alsons Group are initiating major expansion projects in General Santos City. Alsons is planning an initial 100-hectare expansion, with efforts to acquire additional areas from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) at GenSan Airport for an aerotropolis zone.
The aerotropolis zone initiative began with a memorandum of understanding between PEZA and CAAP in February 2022, aiming to establish an ecozone for aviation industry-related enterprises. Additionally, Panga signed a registration agreement with Daikyo International Philippine Inc. on February 20, marking the company’s entry as a new domestic enterprise. The Japanese manufacturer will produce adhesive sheets and sticky traps at the Carmelray Industrial Park I-Special Economic Zone in Laguna.
PEZA emphasized in a statement that Daikyo is committed to sustainability, ensuring compliance with legal regulations while promoting health, safety, and environmentally responsible practices. Their innovative products aim to help farmers reduce pesticide use, boost profitability, and support the growth and sustainability of the agribusiness sector. Both BOI and PEZA function as investment promotion agencies under the Department of Trade and Industry.
