Meralco And May Harvest Forge Sustainable Future

The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has reinforced its partnership with May Harvest Corporation, one of the Philippines' leading toll processing facilities, through a landmark solar energy project.

PARTNERING FOR GREEN ENERGY OPERATIONS. One Meralco and May Harvest Corporation solidify their commitment to sustainability with a new solar energy project at May Harvest’s facilities in Bulacan. Pictured (L-R) are MSpectrum Head of Commercial Services Rodolfo “Jay” B. Lim Jr., Meralco First Vice President and Head of Customer Retail Services Charina P. Padua, MSpectrum President and CEO Ma. Cecilia M. Domingo, May Harvest Chairman Efren M. Martinez, May Harvest President and General Manager Claire Marie G. Cortes, and May Harvest Vice President and Finance Manager Maria Khristina M. Fontillas, during the project launch. | Photo: MERALCO

This collaboration marks a pivotal step in May Harvest’s commitment to integrating renewable energy into its operations, further aligning with global sustainability goals.

The project, spearheaded by Meralco’s solar energy subsidiary, MSpectrum Inc., involves the installation of a 1.3-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar generating system at May Harvest's toll processing plant, along with an additional 45-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar facility at its head office, both located in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

These solar projects are expected to generate approximately 1,711,060.00 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, significantly reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

"The cumulative 1.345-MWp solar installation will provide May Harvest with over P12 million in energy savings per annum and reduce its carbon footprint by around 1,200 tonnes each year. This is equivalent to planting 56,000 mature trees or eliminating vehicle emissions over a distance of nearly 5 million kilometers," said MSpectrum President and CEO Ma. Cecilia M. Domingo.

For May Harvest Corporation, this project represents more than just financial savings. It underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable operations.

"Apart from providing protection, we can now use our roof for solar panels. We are very happy we have solar power to operate our facility more sustainably and reduce our carbon footprint,” shared May Harvest Chairman Efren M. Martinez.

Toll processing plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in the Philippines, particularly in the poultry industry.

In this process, companies like May Harvest are responsible for slaughtering and processing poultry meat on behalf of larger, vertically integrated food companies.

The contractor supplies live birds to the toll processor, who then returns the processed products—ranging from whole grillers to cut-up pieces—ready for distribution to fast food chains, restaurants, and other food outlets.

This system is vital for meeting the growing demand for processed chicken, especially as consumption continues to rise in the country.

The partnership between Meralco and May Harvest is built on a long history of collaboration.

May Harvest previously participated in the government’s Interruptible Load Program (ILP) at Meralco's urging, demonstrating its proactive role in helping manage demand on the Luzon Grid and prevent rotational power interruptions during periods of low supply.

“Gone are the days when a customer’s engagement with Meralco starts and ends when we power up the business. As an end-to-end energy solutions partner, One Meralco goes beyond just delivering stable and reliable power,” said Charina P. Padua, Meralco First Vice President and Head of Customer Retail Services.

Meralco and its subsidiaries continue to provide comprehensive energy solutions that not only support local industries but also contribute to the country's sustainable growth and food security.

This solar energy project with May Harvest Corporation is a testament to the transformative impact of strategic partnerships in driving the future of green energy in the Philippines.