Axelum Resources Corporation, a publicly-listed manufacturer and exporter of premium coconut products, has partnered with Lopez-led First Gen Corporation to advance its transition to clean energy.
Axelum revealed that it will source geothermal power directly from First Gen, a prominent renewable energy provider. This partnership is a key part of Axelum’s broader strategy to integrate renewable energy into its operations.
“This initiative forms an integral part of our core sustainability agenda and demonstrates our serious commitment to building climate resiliency,” said Axelum President and COO Henry Raperoga.
“From a broader view, this move will also provide us with reliable energy supply, leading to operational cost efficiencies, lower carbon emissions, and positive environmental impacts in the long term,” Raperoga added.
(Also read: Coca-Cola Adopts Competitive Power Market for Sustainable Energy in Mindanao Plants)
Fueling coconut production with geothermal power
Axelum, which is 34.8 percent owned by a subsidiary of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, utilizes the full range of coconuts to manufacture and export a wide array of premium coconut food products.
Under the agreement, First Gen will supply up to 5.2 megawatts of electricity to power Axelum’s manufacturing facility in Medina, Misamis Oriental. The geothermal energy will be sourced from the Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant, operated by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a subsidiary of First Gen.
First Gen operates 13 geothermal power plants across the country and manages more than 1,600 megawatts of renewable capacity, including hydro, wind, and solar energy, complemented by 2,017 megawatts of natural gas plants to maintain a reliable power supply.
(Also read: Powering the Future with Geothermal Energy)
Clean energy for a stronger business outlook
The agreement was enabled by the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) provision of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, which allows eligible businesses to select their electricity providers.
(Also read: Japanese Gas Firm Taps First Gen for 100% Renewable Energy in Mindanao Facility)
“It is our privilege to partner with Axelum to help drive sustainability in the manufacture and export of one of our country’s major commodities. Geothermal power is the only RE technology that can run 24/7 and can support major manufacturing operations,” said Carlo Vega, First Gen’s chief engagement officer.
Axelum’s shift to renewable energy boosts its competitive edge and sets a sustainability standard, reflecting a wider trend among Philippine manufacturers.
Sources:
https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/05/14/2442860/axelum-taps-first-gen-clean-energy-shift
https://doe.gov.ph/private-sector-initiated-power-projects?q=rcoa
https://insiderph.com/first-gen-to-supply-geothermal-power-to-axelums-misamis-oriental-plant
