First Gen, PCAARRD team up for projects

Lopez-led First Gen Corp. is teaming up with a multi-sectoral research and development body under the Department of Science and Technology to jointly pursue and fund projects for poor farmers and fishermen.

First Gen and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) have reached an understanding to jointly explore and support agribusiness technologies and projects that will improve the livelihood of small farmers and fishermen.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), both parties committed to identify and agree on priority projects and activities related to agri-aqua production, harvesting and post-harvesting systems for the benefit of smallholder farmers and fisher folks.

Each party will also allocate and release funds to support the objective of the MOU and collaborate in the implementation of the priority activities.

First Gen said beneficiaries of the projects would be its host communities as well as other areas to be agreed upon by both parties.

The company may also enter into other agreements for other special projects that will promote and advance its advocacies and promote PCAARRD’s mandates.

PCAARRD formulates policies, plans, and programs for science and technology-based research and development.

It also spearheads technology transfer initiatives in the agriculture, aquatic and natural resources sector.

First Gen is a clean and renewable energy company that owns and operates 31 power plants located in Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Bicol, Leyte, Negros Island and North Cotabato.

It is a subsidiary of First Philippine Holdings Corp., one of the oldest and largest conglomerates with a strong environmental advocacy.

First Gen seeks to help develop and improve the quality of its stakeholders by supporting relevant, responsive, and regenerative programs focused on environment, education, livelihood, particularly in the agri-aqua sector and related technologies.