MGEN Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGreen), through its subsidiary Terra Solar Philippines, Inc. (MTerra Solar), has teamed up with local governments in Nueva Ecija to launch livelihood programs aimed at supporting communities near its pioneering solar project. The initiative seeks to provide sustainable economic opportunities as the Philippines transitions to clean energy.

The MTerra Solar project, poised to be the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage facility, is currently 33% complete. Phase 1 is slated for completion in February 2026, with Phase 2 following in 2027. Spanning four municipalities across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, the project will generate 3,500 MWp of solar power and feature a 4,500 MWhr battery energy storage system, supplying clean energy to approximately 2.4 million households while reducing carbon emissions by 4.3 million tons annually.

To date, the project has generated over 1,700 jobs and logged more than 1.6 million safe man-hours, with projections to create up to 10,000 jobs as construction progresses.

During its quarterly stakeholder forum, Agora, MTerra Solar signed three agreements with local government units (LGUs) to bolster community development during the construction phase. 

The new livelihood initiatives will introduce job creation, skills training, and support for local enterprises. 

The BrighTER initiative will install solar-powered streetlights across seven host barangays in Gapan, Peñaranda, and General Tinio, covering about 2 kilometers of roads to enhance visibility and security. 

The TERRAnsform program, in partnership with Meralco Power Academy (MPA) and local LGUs, will train 630 scholars for construction-related roles, with qualified graduates securing jobs with the project’s contractors. 

Meanwhile, the CarTER initiative will establish three temporary community marketplaces within the Phase 1 site, supporting local vendors and serving up to 7,500 workers.

“As we build this transformative clean energy project, we are equally committed to building better lives for the people in our host communities,” said Dennis B. Jordan, President and CEO of MGreen and MTerra Solar. “Even while we are still in the construction stage, the positive impact of MTerra Solar is already being felt—and this is just the beginning,” he added.

Gapan City Mayor Emary Joy Pascual praised the collaboration, stating, “Maraming salamat po at buong puso naming sinusuportahan ang proyekto. Ang MTerra Solar ay biyaya para sa Nueva Ecija at kasama niyo kami sa historical project na ito.”

MGreen, the renewable energy arm of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), currently boasts a net sellable capacity of 344.5 MW of renewable energy as of February 2025. Through its stake in SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), it supports MTerra Solar’s ambitious vision.

What do you think about MTerra Solar’s efforts to balance renewable energy development with community empowerment? Share your thoughts below!