First Gen Corporation has received an award from the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) for implementing a livelihood program that helped improve the lives of the members of an indigenous cultural community in Mindanao. 
The LCF presented a Medal of Recognition for Enterprise Development to First Gen on July 1 for the company’s support in organizing and implementing a grassroots social enterprise for the benefit of the Mamanwas living in the remote village of Maraiging in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
First Gen collaborated in 2021 with other groups, such as the SEARCH Foundation, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the Department of Trade and Industry, to form the Maraiging Mamanwa Farmers Skilled Workers Association (MAMAFASWAS).
First Gen is building a runof-river hydroelectric power plant in Jabonga as part of its program to expand its capacity to 13 gigawatts by 2030.
“With the hydroelectric project in Jabonga, we’re not just investing in renewable energy infrastructure; we’re investing in communities,” said Dennis Gonzales, First Gen senior vice president and head of portfolio development.
“Hand in hand with the hydro project’s development, we uplift the lives of underprivileged yet important stakeholders, like the Mamanwas, by training them, by improving their skills and exposing them to a wide network of buyers for their woven products. In our own small way, our support for MAMAFASWAS exemplifies how our clean energy projects fuel inclusive and regenerative growth,” Gonzales added.
With support from First Gen and its partner institutions, MAMAFASWAS has launched several livelihood projects. One of them saw the revival among roughly two dozen Mamanwas of their traditional weaving skills.
“These MAMAFASWAS weavers now sustainably produce a growing line of handcrafted products—from bags to boxes—that reflect a unique fusion of cultural tradition and modern design,” Gonzales also said. “Their creations have been showcased in both local and national trade events, including Lopez Group expos and the World Bazaar Festival in Manila. The association has since become a source of sustainable livelihood for its members.”
Improved product development, active participation in trade fairs and support from over 15 institutional buyers helped MAMAFASWAS grow its earnings to P276,055, an increase of over 800% from 2022 to 2024.
Story by: Joel Gaborni
