ACEN receives multi-regional recognition from DENR for championing environmental stewardship

ACEN, the listed renewable energy company of the Ayala group, has been recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in three key regions across the Philippines for its outstanding contributions to environmental protection, sustainable development and climate action.

​In Region I (Ilocos Region), ACEN was honored as Best Environmental Partner (Private Sector Category) for the company’s “remarkable and noteworthy contribution as active partner in promoting the important role of forests in sustainable development and climate change mitigation.”

With its portfolio of four wind farms in Ilocos Norte— the 81 MW North Luzon Renewables, 52 MW NorthWind, 160 MW Pagudpud Wind and 70 MW Capa Wind— along with its 60 MW Pangasinan Solar farm, ACEN has helped cement the region’s reputation as a clean energy stronghold, while advancing environmental initiatives like the Conservation Estate that support forest conservation and climate resilience.

In Region III (Central Luzon), ACEN received recognition for its region-wide environmental leadership, particularly for having the most DENR-approved renewable energy projects within the region. The DENR lauded ACEN for championing environmental governance, sustainable development and ecological protection, adding that the company’s “active participation and unwavering support exemplify the highest standards of environmental responsibility and inspire others to follow their lead.”

ACEN’s active renewable energy footprint in Region III includes some of the country’s large-scale solar farms: the 585 MW SanMar Solar and 363 MW Palauig Solar in Zambales, the 116 MW Arayat-Mexico Solar in Pampanga and the 4 MW ACEN Tech Hub in Bataan. These projects, coupled with ACEN’s strong environmental partnerships, reflect its integral role in driving the region’s transition to clean energy while ensuring environmental compliance and stewardship at every stage of development.

In Region VI (Western Visayas), ACEN’s 54 MW Guimaras Wind project was recognized for its impactful collaboration with the DENR on the Community-based Forest Management Project and the National Greening Program (NGP).

In 2022, DENR Region VI partnered with Guimaras Wind to adopt the NGP and Enhanced NGP, committing to the maintenance and sustainability of 176 hectares of mangrove and upland plantations in San Lorenzo, Guimaras. As of 2024, the initiative has planted 26,982 mangroves across 45 hectares and 18,396 upland trees over 18 hectares—a tangible contribution to reforestation and biodiversity enhancement.

Since 2016, Guimaras Wind has also been a key partner in the 27-hectare Arboretum Project in Barangay Tanglad, further demonstrating ACEN’s commitment to long-term environmental conservation.

Miguel de Jesus, ACEN managing director and Philippine chief operating officer, said: “At ACEN, we believe that our renewable energy projects should not only deliver clean power but also drive lasting environmental impact. These recognitions from the DENR affirm that meaningful partnerships, responsible project development and proactive stewardship can go hand in hand—benefiting both local communities and the ecosystems we operate in.”

The DENR’s multi-regional recognition underscores ACEN’s sustainability ambition to accelerate the energy transition in the Philippines, anchored on a deep commitment to climate action, biodiversity conservation and community upliftment.

ACEN (PSE:ACEN), the Ayala group’s listed energy platform, is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy platforms in Asia Pacific, with the Philippines as its core and largest market. It also has a significant presence in Australia, Vietnam, India, and Lao PDR, along with strategic investments in Indonesia and other markets. The company currently has ~7 GW of attributable renewable energy capacity spanning operational, under-construction, and committed projects.

As a developer, builder, and operator, ACEN leverages its agility and collaborative approach to accelerate the energy transition. Committed to unlocking access to clean, reliable, and affordable renewable energy, the company is on track to achieve 100% renewable energy generation by 2025 and reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050—turning bold ambitions into real impact for businesses, communities, and indigenous groups.