The expanded agreement, finalized in June 2026, allows the Cavite campus to receive electricity from First Gen's geothermal facilities in Tongonan, Ormoc City, and Kananga, Leyte. The move follows similar arrangements for LPU's Batangas and Laguna campuses in February and its flagship Intramuros campus in April.
The latest partnership reinforces LPU's broader sustainability strategy while supporting the university's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and integrate environmental responsibility into campus operations.
Values-driven
LPU President Roberto Laurel said the transition reflects the university's commitment to practicing the values it teaches.
"At LPU, we believe that education goes beyond the four walls of the classroom. How we run our institution reflects what we stand for," Laurel said.
"Partnering with First Gen is our commitment made visible. It is a tangible step toward environmental responsibility that we hope will inspire our students to carry this mindset forward in their own careers and communities."
Carlo Vega, First Gen chief customer engagement officer, welcomed the expanded partnership.
"We are deeply grateful for the trust LPU has placed on us to support their needs to transition to clean energy. It is a privilege to collaborate with institutions like LPU who champion renewable energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions, helping drive meaningful, lasting change not just for today, but for the generations the university is helping shape," he said.
Consumer choice
The partnership was facilitated through the RAP, one of the Department of Energy's consumer choice programs that allows electricity users to combine their energy demand to qualify as contestable customers and select their preferred electricity supplier.
The minimum threshold under the program is now set at 100 kilowatts per month.
Beyond securing renewable electricity, LPU and First Gen said the collaboration could expand into sustainability education, research initiatives, internship opportunities, and campus-wide environmental programs aligned with global sustainability frameworks.
Long-term goals
First Gen operates some of the country's largest renewable energy facilities, including geothermal, wind, and solar power plants, supporting organizations seeking to transition to cleaner energy sources.
For LPU, the expanded partnership forms part of its long-term roadmap to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13 on Climate Action.
The university said the initiative underscores its commitment to producing globally competitive graduates while promoting responsible environmental stewardship through both academic programs and institutional practices. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
