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In a milestone for healthcare and sustainability in Mindanao, Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC) will become thef irst hospital in the region to operate entirely on renewable energy (RE). This landmark achievement marks a significant step forward in the adoption of green energy, demonstrating that critical medical services can thrive while reducing their carbon footprint.
The 200-bed hospital, including its Kidney Institute and specialized medical units, now taps into a clean, reliable source of geothermal power provided by First Gen Corporation.
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Geothermal power fuels hospital operations
Under a signed agreement, First Gen will supply 900 kilowatts (kW) of geothermal electricity sourced directly from the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant in Cotabato ,operated by First Gen’s subsidiary, Energy Development Corporation (EDC). The decision to shift to geothermal energy reflects the hospital’s commitment not only to operational efficiency but also to community health.
CUMC President Dr. Rosalinda Deleste emphasized the dual benefits of this initiative. “We are pleased to be the first medical center in Mindanao to be powered directly by geothermal energy that is also harnessed from Mindanao,” she said. “We look forward to reaping the benefits of using renewable energy not just for helping the environment, but also for improving the health and well-being of people in Cagayan de Oro.”
The hospital’s transition to clean energy also highlights a growing commitment across Mindanao to sustainable practices that support both critical infrastructure and community resilience.
Unlike solar or wind, geothermal energy offers a steady, 24/7 baseload capacity—an essential requirement for hospital operations where reliable electricity is non-negotiable. The hospital leveraged the government’s Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which enables consumers with an average peak demand of at least 100 kW to directly source renewable power.
Carlo Vega, First Gen’s chief customer engagement officer, underscored the strategic fit. “Geothermal energy is ideal for hospitals, industries, and other businesses that need a reliable renewable energy supply,” he noted. “It’s an honor to support CUMC as they begin their journey towards decarbonization.”
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Expanding RE footprint in Mindanao
First Gen, a Lopez-led corporation, is already a major player in the country’s RE sector, maintaining over 1,700 megawatts (MW) of capacity across geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro facilities. Beyond Mt. Apo, the company operates a 1.6-MW run-of-river mini-hydro facility powered by the Agusan River in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
The company is also set to expand its clean energy footprint in Mindanao with two new hydropower projects: the 32-MW Bubunawan Hydro project in Libona, Bukidnon, and the 40-MW San Isidro Hydroelectric Power Project along the Cagayan River. These projects utilize the natural flow of rivers to generate electricity, eliminating the need for large dams or reservoirs and preserving the local ecosystem.
By powering CUMC with locally sourced geothermal energy, First Gen and the hospital are setting a precedent for other institutions in the region. The partnership illustrates how healthcare facilities can meet their energy demands sustainably without compromising reliability, paving the way for broader adoption of renewable energy solutions in critical sectors.
The CUMC initiative represents more than a technological achievement; it is a tangible commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. By embracing RE, the hospital not only secures a stable and sustainable power supply for its operations but also inspires a vision of a greener, healthier future for Mindanao.
About First Gen
First Gen Corporation, the flagship power generation arm of First Philippine Holdings, manages a diverse energy portfolio spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with a total installed capacity of 3,501.4 MW. The company is one of the country’s leaders in clean energy, operating power plants fueled by geothermal steam, hydropower, wind, solar, and natural gas.
Its majority-owned subsidiary, EDC, stands as the world’s largest fully integrated geothermal energy company, reinforcing First Gen’s role at the forefront of sustainable and indigenous power production.
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