UP and ACEN Corp. sign agreement for the development of wind farm project

Percy Dahe

May 15

The CEO and President of ACEN Corporation Mr. Eric Francia [left] with Atty. Mark Dean Itaralde. On the right side is UP President, Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez and Vice President for Development Daniel C. Peckley as a witness. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO.

The University of the Philippines (UP) has officially cemented a Cooperation Agreement with ACEN Corporation, an energy and renewable power generation firm under the Ayala Group, regarding the construction of infrastructure needed for the development of ACEN's 335 MW Isla Wind project in the Province of Laguna, a portion of which lies within UP's Land Grant. The signing of the Cooperation Agreement was held on May 10, 2024, at the Henry Sy Building, UP Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

With the theme "Partners Renewable," the signing ceremony was attended by ACEN CEO and President Eric Francia, Senior Vice President for Development Rod San Pedro Jr., and Senior Manager for Development Mark Dean Itaralde. Officials from UP are President Angelo A. Jimenez, Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo D.P Cubillan, Vice President for Planning and Finance Iryn Y. Balmores, Vice President for Development Daniel C. Peckley, and former Vice President for Development Ferdinand Pecson.

Under the agreement, UP allows ACEN to construct access roads and transmission lines over a stretch of UP-owned property spanning three municipalities in Laguna. This property is registered and beneficially owned by UP under Republic Act No. 2990 or "An Act to Establish a Central Experiment Station in the University of the Philippines." The energy company needs the access roads and transmission lines over said portion of UP's property to be able to proceed with the first phase of the Isla Wind project.

*The officials and staff of ACEN Corporation together with the UP Officials. Photo by Jonathan Madrid, UP MPRO.*

According to the agreement, the wind power project aligns with original intent of the UP Land Grant as a "Central Experiment Station" as the project enables UP to conduct various experiments on the potential of wind power. The project also underscores both UP's and ACEN's dedication to propelling the Philippines towards a sustainable energy future.

"This agreement is a valuable and sustainable relationship," UP President Jimenez said during the signing ceremony. "We [in UP] are looking for long transactions. We will share our next year's goals and our commitment to SDG for clean and affordable energy.

"We both know that energy is a very critical element for our people to achieve aspirations, growth, and development… and this is going to be a total relationship and a multidimensional and multidisciplinary event to match our commitment to partner with you [ACEN]," Jimenez added.

"We are delighted to collaborate with UP to deliver much-needed large-scale renewable infrastructure for the country," ACEN president and CEO Francia said. "Isla Wind is one of the largest and most complex projects in ACEN's rapidly growing renewables portfolio. We are grateful for UP's support, and we look forward to further expanding our collaboration on sustainability-oriented initiatives."