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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider First Gen, UPLB forge landmark partnership for innovation and regeneration

First Gen, UPLB forge landmark partnership for innovation and regeneration

Published Jan 28, 2025 05:47 am
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UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. (second from left, seated) and First Gen Vice President Shirley H. Cruz (third from left, seated) signed the MOA establishing the landmark partnership between UPLB and the Lopez-led clean energy company. UPLB Technology Transfer and Business Development Office Director Emil John C. Cabrera (extreme left, seated) and First Gen Senior Manager Janice O. Dugan (extreme right, seated) served as witnesses to the MOA signing. Also in photo are other officials and employees of both UPLB and First Gen.

First Gen Corporation and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) have reached a landmark partnership designed to drive innovation and regeneration through a collaboration promoting research, technology, and community resilience projects.

Top officials of First Gen and UPLB established the framework of their commitment by signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Jan. 15, 2025, at the UPLB campus in Laguna. 

Under the MOA, both parties have agreed to collaborate and support the planning and implementation of a wide range of initiatives, which will include research and development projects; knowledge sharing and technology transfer activities; training and educational programs; and other mutually agreed-upon activities.

The MOA combines UPLB's expertise in agriculture and research with First Gen's leadership in clean energy to benefit local communities and contribute to global sustainability. 

The MOA was signed by UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr. and First Gen Vice President Shirley H. Cruz, with First Gen Senior Manager Janice O. Dugan and UPLB Technology Transfer and Business Development Office Director Emil John C. Cabrera serving as witnesses.

“This partnership is important because it opens a lot of doors of opportunity. It's a platform for us to work together. We are looking forward to partnering with First Gen to help us achieve the vision of a future-proof and future-ready UPLB,” Camacho said.

A key initiative under this partnership focuses on advancing seaweed farming in the coastal communities of Camarines Sur. In this area, FP Island Energy Corporation, a subsidiary of Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings and a sister company of First Gen, operates a microgrid system on the islands of Caramoan and Garchitorena. 

Through the MOA, this initiative integrates UPLB’s cutting-edge technology with First Gen’s innovative energy solutions, aiming to empower these communities and strengthen their resilience.

“At First Gen, corporate social responsibility is not just an aspect of what we do—it is central to who we are. This collaboration with UPLB reflects our commitment to delivering responsive and impactful initiatives that address local needs while supporting global sustainability goals.” Cruz emphasized.

The ceremonial signing marks the beginning of a transformative partnership, one that drives innovation and fosters a brighter, regenerative future for the Filipino people.

First Gen, the Philippines largest renewable energy company, has 1,651 megawatts (MW) of installed RE capacity from 28 solar, wind, hydro and geothermal power plants. First Gen also has another 2,017 MW of capacity from four other power plants that run on natural gas, a bridge fuel that offers flexible power generation and supports the introduction of more RE capacity in the country. Combined, the 3,668-MW capacity of these First Gen power plants helps assure the country’s energy security.

A part of the University of the Philippines system, UPLB is one of the leading institutions for learning, knowledge, creation and innovation, and public service. It is committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation and creativity across various disciplines. It finalized the MOA with First Gen as it endeavors to establish strategic partnerships with industry, government, and other academic institutions to leverage resources and expertise for the advancement of innovation and sustainable development. 

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