MPCALA Holdings Inc. (MPHI), the concessionaire of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, has received three GREEN Awards from the City Government of Santa Rosa, Laguna, for its environmental sustainability programs.
The recognition marks the fourth consecutive year that the company has been honored by the local government. MPHI is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation.
Three areas of recognition
The Guarantee the Restoration of the Environment & our Ecological Niche Awards, or GREEN Awards, is Santa Rosa’s annual program recognizing organizations, institutions, and individuals for their contributions to environmental protection and sustainability.
This year, CALAX was named a Sustainable Development Partner for participating in coastal clean-up initiatives aimed at preserving ecosystems, reducing pollution in Laguna Lake, and supporting climate change mitigation efforts.
It also received the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partner award for initiatives that reduce energy consumption, promote renewable energy, and improve energy efficiency across its offices, toll plazas, and other facilities.
The third recognition, Earth Hour Advocate, was awarded for the company’s participation in the annual Earth Hour movement and its continuing efforts to promote energy conservation and environmental awareness.
Integrating sustainability into operations
The awards were presented by the City Government of Santa Rosa and received by representatives of MPCALA.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the City Government of Santa Rosa,” said Andrew B. Pangilinan, president and general manager of MPCALA Holdings Inc. “These awards reflect our commitment to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations, from building greener infrastructure to adopting environmentally responsible practices.”
“As we continue to expand CALAX, we remain dedicated to proving that infrastructure development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand,” he added.
Among MPHI’s sustainability initiatives is the MPT South Hub, which is equipped with 1,184 solar panels that generate about 97% of the building’s energy requirements. The facility also uses a rainwater harvesting system that reduces water consumption by 10% and includes charging stations for company electric vehicles.
Greener expressway operations
CALAX is a 44.6km expressway connecting Cavite and Laguna. Its operational sections currently extend from Biñan, Laguna, to General Trias, Cavite, reducing travel time on the route from about one hour to approximately 26 minutes.
Once completed, the expressway is expected to serve around 95,000 motorists daily. The company said shorter travel times can also help reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
CALAX’s broader environmental measures include solar power systems, rainwater harvesting facilities, and the gradual transition of its corporate fleet to electric vehicles. These initiatives form part of MPHI’s effort to integrate sustainability into the operation and continuing development of the expressway.
In Summary
CALAX received three GREEN Awards for sustainable development, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and Earth Hour advocacy. Its environmental programs include coastal clean-ups, solar power, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficiency initiatives, and the progressive electrification of its corporate fleet.