Lopez-led First Gen Corporation has received a Medal of Recognition for Enterprise Development from the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) for its grassroots livelihood program benefitting the Mamanwa indigenous community in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

Awarded on July 1 during LCF’s annual conference themed “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity,” the recognition cited First Gen’s role in organizing and supporting the Maraiging Mamanwa Farmers Skilled Workers Association (MAMAFASWAS), a social enterprise that revives traditional weaving and promotes sustainable livelihood for the community.

The Mamanwas, who live in the remote mountains of Mindanao, have long faced limited economic opportunities. In 2021, First Gen partnered with the SEARCH Foundation, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to launch MAMAFASWAS.

“With the hydroelectric project in Jabonga, we’re not just investing in renewable energy infrastructure; we’re investing in communities,” said Dennis P. 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.

Since its launch, MAMAFASWAS has helped over two dozen Mamanwas revive their weaving skills using buri leaves and abaca fibers, crafting products now showcased at trade fairs including Lopez Group expos and the World Bazaar Festival in Manila. Backed by over 15 institutional buyers, the group has seen its earnings grow over 800% — from PHP 30,000 in 2022 to PHP 276,055 in 2024.

“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 said.

The CSR initiative aligns with First Gen’s ongoing development of a run-of-river hydro project in Jabonga, part of its goal to grow capacity to 13 GW by 2030. The company currently operates 28 renewable energy facilities totaling over 1,600 MW, and holds stakes in 2,017 MW of gas-fired plants through its partnership with Prime Infra.

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