FIRST Gen Corporation’s geothermal arm, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), recently turned over P39.97 million in Energy Regulations (ER) 1-94 funds to Leyte V Electric Cooperative Inc. (LEYECO V), supporting rural electrification efforts across its host areas.

The remittance, covering geothermal operations from 2018 through the second quarter of 2026, provides direct funding to help LEYECO V modernize its grid infrastructure and extend power lines to remote off-grid communities.

First Gen fulfills this mandated financial benefit by virtue of hosting its geothermal operations within Ormoc City and the municipality of Kananga.

The ER 1-94 program ensures that host communities and their local distribution utilities share directly in the financial benefits of clean energy regardless of whether an active power supply agreement exists between the generation company and the distribution utility.

The upward adjustment of the ER 1-94 benefit rate in 2026 means that the continuous 24/7 clean power generated by the First Gen Renewables geothermal facilities operated by EDC now yields three times the financial support for local distribution utility projects, host local government units and barangays compared to previous years.

The ceremonial turnover was led by Engr. Estanislao Pialago Jr., head of EDC’s asset maintenance and Leyte site, and Jennifer Wenceslao, head of Leyte’s corporate relations department.

Accepting the four remittance checks on behalf of the cooperative and its member-consumers were LEYECO V general manager Atty. Jannie Ann Dayandayan, CPA, and her management team. The funds will directly support line expansion, power infrastructure upgrades, community enhancements and local livelihood projects across LEYECO V’s franchise area.

“Our commitment to LEYECO V goes beyond power supply agreements and is rooted in a shared mission to uplift the communities of Ormoc City and Kananga,” said Pialago. “We remain dedicated to providing this benefit to help ensure reliable energy distribution and to nurture a partnership built on genuine care for the sustainable growth of our host communities.”


EDC’s ER 1-94 electrification fund was formally turned over to LEYECO V, represented by general manager Atty. Jannie Ann Dayandayan, CPA (6th from left), alongside LEYECO V personnel

By Alaina Lyn De Guzman-Domingo