CABANGAN, ZAMBALES—In the heart of Barangay Mabanglit, true empowerment is being served hot, fresh, and one plate at a time.
Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc. (UGEP), the developer behind the upcoming 56.774 megawatt-peak (MWp) Cabangan Solar Project, is proving that its commitment to the province begins long before the first solar panel is installed. As part of its early community integration and partnership-building efforts, UGEP has launched a nutritional support program dedicated to nourishing the IP communities and families of Barangay Mabanglit.
Nourishing the Roots of Progress
While the planned 52-hectare ground-mounted solar power plant is currently in its development stage, UGEP believes that building a sustainable future starts with supporting the well-being of its host communities today. The nutritional support program serves as an early cornerstone of UGEP’s long-term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, designed to support critical health needs within the local community from the very ground up.
Hon. Angelo M. Batistiana highlighted the positive contribution of this early initiative on the community’s youth, noting how the program is helping address a long-standing health challenge in the area:
“Napakalaking tulong ng nutritional support program… Isa po ang barangay namin sa pinakamaraming bilang ng malnourished [sa buong Cabangan]. Natutuwa kami kasi lahat ng pinapakain namin with the help of UGEP po, bumigat na po yung mga bata.”
(“The nutritional support program is a massive help… Our barangay had one of the highest numbers of malnourished children in Cabangan. We are overjoyed because, through UGEP’s help, the children we feed have finally gained weight.”)
A Partnership Built on Shared Futures
This program reflects UGEP’s proactive approach to community relations—ensuring that local residents are cared for and consulted as the clean energy project develops. By fueling the body and mind of the youth, the initiative ensures that the mutual relationship between UGEP and the local IP community is anchored on care, trust, and shared progress.
Barangay Captain Hon. Joewy D. Mangindin expressed his gratitude for the collaborative effort to support the community’s most vulnerable during this crucial preparatory phase:
“Marami pong mga IPs na nagkukulang po, kung minsan maraming mga batang nagkukulang ng pagkain. Nagpapasalamat kami dahil sa programa kung saan tinutulungan kami ng UGEP.”
(“Many of our IPs lack resources, and there are times when children don’t get enough food. We are deeply grateful for this program where UGEP is extending its full support to us.”)
As the Cabangan Solar Project moves steadily through its development phase, UGEP remains steadfast in its promise: to build not just a green energy facility, but a lasting partnership—powering the community one plate, one smile, and one bright future at a time.
About Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc. (UGEP):
Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc. is one of the leading players in the renewable energy sector, specializing in utility-scale solar developments and commercial/industrial solar installations, dedicated to driving the Philippines towards a sustainable, green energy transition.
