MANILA - The Philippines is to spend $141.5 million on nature conservation and alternative energy in 2008, President Gloria Arroyo said yesterday.

Arroyo said the environment was one of her three priorities, alongside the economy and education.

"All Filipinos want good jobs, food on their table and quality education for their children as well as a healthy environment, clear air and water," Arroyo said as she watched the release of newly hatched sea turtles from a turtle sanctuary.

"We put a premium on green and renewable energy. We are veering away from imported fossil fuels, whose prices are not only sky high, but also highly volatile," Arroyo said.

Other projects include reforestation and the maintenance and upgrading of national parks and protected areas.

She expressed hope that these forests, mountains and coral reefs would earn money back as eco-tourism sites.*AFP

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