The Department of Energy (DOE) formally opened the Maibarara Geothermal Inc. (MGI) Visitor Center at the Maibarara Geothermal Power Facility in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, led by DOE Secretary Sharon S. Garin.
The event was attended by MGI partners PetroGreen Energy Corporation (PGEC), ACEN, and PNOC-Renewables Corporation. PGEC is a joint venture of PetroEnergy Resources Corporation and Kyuden International Corporation, the overseas investment arm of Japan’s Kyushu Electric Power Company.
Secretary Garin said the Maibarara Geothermal Power Project shows how clean energy can provide reliable electricity while minimizing environmental impact.
She also highlighted the government’s recent agreement with Land Bank to roll out the Philippine Geothermal Resource De-Risking Facility, aimed at reducing exploration risks and encouraging more geothermal investments.
The new Visitor Center is designed to educate the public about geothermal energy. It features exhibits on how geothermal power works, the development and operations of the Maibarara facility, and MGI’s environmental protection and community programs.
The inauguration also marked the launch of the Maibarara site under PGEC’s We Power C.A.R.E. program, an environmental initiative focused on biodiversity conservation.
As part of this program, MGI committed to help conserve the Kapa-kapa (Medinilla magnifica), a critically endangered plant species found only in the Philippines.
The species is among 30 endangered plants and animals to be supported for conservation over the next 30 years.
