YES, WE are talking about the launch of MORE Electric and Power Corporation’s (MORE Power) first-ever coffee table book, “Illuminating Iloilo: MORE Power’s Grounding-breaking Milestones,” which chronicles the utility firm’s transformation of power distribution services in Iloilo City since taking over operations in 2020.
What made the event even more significant was that it also marked another major milestone in the company’s expansion plans. During the occasion, MORE Power ceremonially broke ground for the MORE Power Tower, underscoring the utility firm’s long-term investment in Iloilo and its confidence in the region’s continued growth and development.
Speaking of milestones, the coffee table book is also a personal milestone for me. I had the privilege and honor of writing its first two chapters, “A Century of Darkness” and “The Spark That Started It All.”
Moving on, let us shift our attention to the greener side of MORE Power — its commitment to clean, sustainable energy and environmental stewardship.
MORE Power and Mabuhay Power Holdings Inc. recently marked another major milestone in their renewable energy journey with the groundbreaking of a 6.6-megawatt solar farm in Barangay Cag-an, Anilao, Iloilo. The project represents the first phase of a larger energy complex expected to generate more than 36 megawatts of renewable power.
According to Mabuhay Power Executive Chairman Sherwin Hing, the project will harness Iloilo’s abundant sunlight to provide clean energy to more than 5,000 households annually while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 180,000 tons over the next 20 years.
The initial 6.6-megawatt facility is expected to become operational by the end of 2026 and will generate more than 13,000 megawatt-hours, or 13 gigawatt-hours, of clean energy annually.
MORE Power and Mabuhay Power estimate that the facility’s output will be sufficient to power approximately 5,416 households, based on an average monthly consumption of 200 kilowatt-hours.
The project stems from a power supply agreement signed in July 2025 between MORE Power and Urban Energy Development Corporation (UEDC), of which Mabuhay Power is a subsidiary, for the supply of 6.6 megawatts of renewable energy.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, UEDC Chief Operating Officer Carlo Jose Morales said the Anilao project is only the beginning of a much larger solar development in the area.
“Another solar development will be built right beside this and additionally in close proximity to this site. All in all, we are looking at a total capacity of over 36 MW that would be operating here in Anilao,” he said.
Once operational, the solar farm will help improve energy stability in Iloilo and throughout the Visayas grid by adding locally generated renewable power and reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources. In practical terms, this means the facility could significantly lessen the risk of power shortages and yellow alerts in the future.
Likewise, the project supports the national government’s target of increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s power mix to 35 percent by 2030.
Meanwhile, as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, MORE Power’s eco-warriors joined the observance of World Environment Day 2026 through a coastal clean-up drive in Villa, Arevalo.
Led by the Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the activity gathered more than 1,000 volunteers from various sectors and resulted in the collection of 2,068 kilograms of trash.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the company continues to support initiatives that protect the environment and raise public awareness about sustainability. Through activities such as this, MORE Power reaffirms its dedication to building a greener and more climate-resilient Iloilo.
Still on the subject of Corporate Social Responsibility, companies under the Razon Group have mobilized relief efforts in Mindanao following the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region, bringing much-needed assistance to heavily affected communities.
Primelectric, ICTSI, and Manila Water spearheaded the distribution of cash assistance and essential relief supplies to local government units in Sarangani, South Cotabato, and the General Santos City area.
The relief teams provided fuel for generator sets, bottled drinking water, rice, canned goods, and other basic necessities for displaced families and affected communities. Manila Water deployed a Mobile Water Treatment Plant to the disaster-hit areas, while Primelectric distributed solar lamps and industrial fans to evacuation centers.
Indeed, well played./PN
