Emmanuel “Manny” V. Rubio has been appointed as the new President and CEO of MERALCO PowerGen Corporation (MGen), effective July 1.

In a report by Manila Bulletin, he succeeded Jaime T. Azurin, who will continue his role as President of Global Business Power Corporation, another MERALCO subsidiary.

Rubio offers extensive experience to MGen, having been the former President and CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower). At AboitizPower, he supervised the firm’s shift to renewable energy sources, diversifying its portfolio, as well as balancing its power-producing assets.

Having retired from Aboitiz Power on June 30, his immediate priority now is to build trust and rapport with his new team as the company aims to advance several projects in various implementation phases.

Meanwhile, MERALCO Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan stressed that Rubio would play a key role in the firm’s growth prospects that will bring long-term value to the company, its host communities, and the country.

MGen looks forward to welcoming Rubio, anticipating his “fresh perspectives and innovative ideas” to steer the company toward becoming a “reliable partner in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”

MGen is currently ramping up commercial developments of its new power projects in the Philippines and its offshore market in Singapore.

The company’s largest venture is the 3,500-megawatt (MW) Terra Solar project, designed to integrate 4,500 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy storage. By 2026, the Terra Solar installation aims to supply 850 MW of mid-merit capacity to Meralco, supported by a power supply agreement.

In addition to renewable energy developments, MGen is also investing in thermal power generation, primarily focusing on gas, in partnership with Aboitiz Power and SMC Global Power Holdings of the San Miguel group. The company is exploring other technologies to address the country’s potential power crisis.