THE Jollibee Group has completed a series of power supply contracts with the First Gen Group in a deepening partnership to expand the fast-food giant’s use of renewable energy (RE), this time to power 189 company owned fast-food outlets.

Jollibee Group and First Gen officials signed the agreements for supply of electricity to the stores under the auspices of government’s Retail Aggregation Program (RAP), a mechanism that enables qualified consumers to pool their power usage and negotiate directly with energy suppliers.

Stores covered by the agreements represent roughly 40% of all of the Jollibee Group’s company-owned stores in the Philippines. They include outlets under the Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Burger King and Panda Express brands. Under the agreements, First Gen sources electricity for the aggregated demand from its geothermal power facilities in Ormoc City and Kananga in Leyte.

“Transitioning nearly 200 stores to renewable electricity requires close coordination across our organization. By consolidating eligible stores and improving electricity sourcing, we are demonstrating a practical approach that supports operational efficiency while advancing more sustainable business practices. We plan to build on the experience and learnings from this initial phase and expand RAP to more eligible stores nationwide, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability,” said Bong Filart, head of network development, Jollibee Group-Philippines.

“We are so proud of our continued partnership with the Jollibee Group as they make progress in their sustainability journey. These initiatives will not only help them manage volatile costs but also ensure that their retail and manufacturing operations generate a lower carbon footprint,” said Carlo Vega, First Gen chief customer engagement officer.

 Landmark deal

Meanwhile, Mother Teresa of Calcutta Medical Center (MTCMC), a tertiary hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, has forged a landmark power supply contract with the First Gen Group also under RAP.

The deal marks the first time a hospital in Pampanga has entered into a power supply agreement under the program.

“With our shift to renewable energy, we strengthen our commitment to responsible electricity use and environmental stewardship while continuing to deliver quality health care to the communities we serve,” said Roselle Marie Azucena, MTCMC president, during the signing ceremony.

Vega responded by saying: “We are proud to welcome as a partner MTCMC, a hospital that upholds innovative and quality health care with environmental and social responsibility. Indigenous renewable energy offers the opportunity to keep operating expenses steady while reducing the carbon emissions from 24/7 operations.”

MTCMC is part of Mount Grace Hospitals Inc., the hospital network under the Unilab Group.

MTCMC president Roselle Marie Azucena (center) receives from First Gen chief
customer engagement officer Carlo Vega (2nd from left) the Renewable Energy
Wall Badge that certifies the hospital’s switch to renewable energy. Also in photo
are (l-r) Eri Castelo, First Gen lead customer progress partner; Paul Lawrence
Simon, MTCMC COO; and Michael Lansangan, MTCMC CFO

By Joel Gaborni