CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — In a major stride toward regional environmental sustainability, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau Region III (DENR-EMB R3) launched Project BRIDGES during the Environmental Summit 2026 held at the Royce Hotel and Casino last August 19, 2026.

Under the leadership of Regional Director Martin Jose Despi, CESO V, the initiative is designed to strengthen the operational capacity of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and key ecological facilities across Central Luzon by fostering multi-sectoral partnerships with renewable and thermal power generation companies.

To solidify stakeholder commitments, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) were formally signed during the summit. The ceremonial signing was led by Despi, DENR Region III Regional Executive Director Ralph C. Pablo, CESO III, AboitizPower GMEC and GNPD Vice President for Corporate Services Andrea Madrid, and representatives from the Schools Division of Pampanga and the pilot beneficiary.

Through these agreements, Sta. Cruz Elementary School in Lubao, Pampanga, was officially selected as the inaugural recipient of the project, demonstrating how power partnerships can directly contribute to local community development.

Demonstrating strong support for community investment and stepping beyond their home base of Bataan and Zambales, GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC), GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), and Aboitiz Power Renewables, Inc. (ARI) jointly pledged a 10 kW Solar Power System to the selected school. Valued at ₱700,000, this solar installation will bring clean, renewable energy directly to the classrooms, significantly reducing the facility’s power bills and operating costs.

Ultimately, this solarization project will establish Sta. Cruz Elementary School as a prime model for green energy adoption within the local educational sector. Project BRIDGES underscores the critical importance of public-private collaboration in advancing environmental protection, accelerating renewable energy adoption, and driving sustainable community development across Region III. (PR)

TOP📸: AboitizPower representatives present their plaques of recognition during the Environmental Summit 2026, which also served as the launch pad for Project Bridges. (from left to right) AboitizPower Regional Affairs Manager Toni Gonzalez, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. AVP for Stakeholder Relations and Permitting Mark Hadrian Gamo, GMEC-GNPD VP for CSV Andrea Madrid, GMEC-GNPD Stakeholder Management Supervisor Patrick Collantes, and Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. Environmental Management Manager Gefford Asidera.