Cebu-based Chioson Group of Companies has reaffirmed its commitment to clean energy by renewing its geothermal power supply agreement with First Gen Corporation.
The deal, finalised on 30 April 2025, ensures that 2.1 megawatts of renewable electricity will power Chioson Group’s steel manufacturing and real estate operations in Mandaue City and Cebu City, respectively.This energy will be sourced from the geothermal facilities operated by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a subsidiary of First Gen, located in Kananga and Ormoc City in Leyte. As the Philippines intensifies its shift toward carbon neutrality, this partnership exemplifies how heavy industries can pivot to low-emission alternatives without compromising operational efficiency.The Chioson Group—through its manufacturing arm, Chioson Development Corp.,
and affiliated firms such as Puresteel Manufacturing Corp. and FLB Industries Inc.—has been a vocal advocate for integrating environmental responsibility into its core business practices. For over five years, the company has powered its operations with renewable energy and reported the prevention of nearly 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions since the partnership with First Gen began in 2020.“The impact of this partnership goes beyond figures. It’s about setting a new standard for manufacturing in the Philippines,” said Bernard Chioson, Chief Operating Officer of Chioson Development Corp. “We take pride in knowing that every beam and nail we produce contributes to a cleaner future.”
The agreement also extends to the FLB Corporate Center in Cebu City, a key property asset under FLB Prime Holdings Inc., reflecting the group’s broader integration of clean energy across its business portfolio. The continued use of 24/7 geothermal energy—unaffected by weather or fuel supply fluctuations—positions the Chioson Group as a forward-looking enterprise aligned with global sustainability benchmarks. Gen’s Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing, Arlene Sy, affirmed the company’s mission to accelerate the green transition of Filipino businesses. “As we scale our geothermal capacity, we are enabling more companies to take firm steps towards decarbonisation. Partnerships like this signal the readiness of the Visayas region to lead in sustainable industry practices,” she said.
With a combined installed geothermal capacity nearing 1,200 MW, EDC currently provides over half of the nation’s geothermal output. First Gen’s diverse portfolio spans hydro, wind, and solar, supported by natural gas for grid stability. However, the growing preference for steady, renewable sources like geothermal is shaping a future where the country’s most energy-intensive sectors can contribute meaningfully to climate action.The Chioson-First Gen collaboration is a microcosm of the broader transformation unfolding across the Philippines’ industrial landscape—where profitability is no longer pursued at the expense of the planet.
As the demand for ethically sourced materials increases globally, Cebu’s steel sector could find itself uniquely positioned to supply the green infrastructure of tomorrow.This partnership is also a marker of progress in developing eco-conscious urban centres in Southeast Asia, with Cebu increasingly emerging as a model for industrial decarbonisation. While challenges remain in balancing growth and environmental stewardship, deals such as this underscore the potential for harmony between economic development and ecological integrity.
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