GAPAN CITY (PIA) — Gapan City Mayor Emary Joy Pascual expressed gratitude to the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) for bringing the MTerra Solar Project to the city, citing its expected contribution to employment, local revenues, and improved public services.
These remarks were made following the inauguration of Phase I of the MTerra Solar Project in Barangay Puting Tubig, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, on Tuesday, July 14, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Pascual said the project has created job opportunities for Gapan residents while generating additional tax revenues for the city.
She added that the increased local revenues would enable the city government to expand the delivery of programs and services to its constituents.
The mayor also thanked MGEN for including Gapan City in the MTerra Solar Project, saying the investment would bring long-term benefits to the entire community.
Meanwhile, Nueva Ecija 4th District Representative Emerson “Emeng” Pascual stressed that around 20,000 residents of Gapan City are currently employed during the construction phase of the MTerra Solar Project.
He also assured MGEN of the continued support of local leaders for the project, emphasizing their commitment to supporting investments that create opportunities for local communities.
Phase I of the MTerra Solar Project is expected to begin full commercial operations by August 2026, while Phase II is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Upon completion of both phases, the facility is expected to deliver up to 3,500 megawatts peak of solar power to the grid, backed by 4,500 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage.
The project is projected to supply electricity to more than 2.4 million Filipino households while reducing carbon emissions by about 4.3 million metric tons annually.
It is also expected to generate nearly P23 billion in financial benefits over the next decade, in addition to increasing revenues and providing financial assistance to host communities.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, for her part, said the MTerra Solar Project would help address the impacts of El Niño and La Niña by strengthening the country’s power grid and increasing the use of clean and renewable energy sources.
She added that the project would likewise support a more reliable power supply and help make electricity more affordable in the long term for Filipinos.
Furthermore, President Marcos described the MTerra Solar Project as a major step in advancing the country’s renewable energy program and strengthening its energy security.
“Indeed, the MTerra Solar Project is proof that the Philippines is capable not only of envisioning world-class infrastructure, but also of delivering it,” the President said.
Joining the President during the inauguration were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Secretary Garin, Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel Pangilinan, other government officials, and private sector representatives. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
