General Milling Corp. (GMC), one of the country’s largest integrated food companies, renewed its agreement with First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group for the supply of electricity from a carbon-free and renewable energy source.
Under the agreement, First Gen through subsidiary Green Core Geothermal Inc. (GCGI) will continue to power GMC’s largest food manufacturing complex in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, with electricity from its geothermal power plant in Negros Oriental.
The agreement, signed on Oct. 9, 2024, extends the eight-year collaboration between GMC and First Gen that began in 2016 under the government’s retail competition and open access (RCOA) policy. RCOA allows businesses with substantial electricity demands to choose their own energy provider.
“We are betting big on renewable energy because it’s the future of sustainable manufacturing. This partnership with First Gen ensures that we are not only meeting today’s energy needs but doing so in a way that aligns with our long-term environmental goals,” said GMC president Anna Gurango-Vicencio.
“By integrating more clean energy into our operations, we are future-proofing our business while making a positive impact on the environment,” he said.
GMC’s Lapu-Lapu manufacturing complex is a critical part of its operations spanning flour and feed milling, livestock breeding and hatchery production. The plant also includes a wharf that supports the efficient movement of large cargo ships.
“We have seen the tangible benefits of renewable energy in our operations over the past eight years,” said Gurango-Vicencio.
“The partnership with First Gen is a vital part of our strategy to keep our energy sources sustainable as we scale our operations and deliver high-quality products to our customers nationwide,” she said.
First Gen vice president for power marketing, trading and economics Carlo Vega said long-term collaborations are important to achieve decarbonization.
“Aside from helping GMC reduce the carbon footprint of their manufacturing operations through a steady renewable energy supply, we are committed to partner with them in their journey towards decarbonization—by helping them harness more RE and integrate this into their operations, and rationalize their power usage,” Vega said.
