A Brown Company Inc. has secured the Department of Energy’s approval to begin pre-development work for a proposed solar power project in Bukidnon, marking another step in the listed firm’s push to expand its renewable energy portfolio.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, A Brown said its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Manolo Fortich Power Corp. (MFPC), received notice on June 26 that the DOE had issued Certificate of Authority (COA) No. SCOA2026-06-202 for the Manolo Fortich Solar Power Project. The certificate took effect on June 25.
The COA grants MFPC the exclusive authority to undertake pre-development activities for the proposed project, including securing permits and clearances from government agencies, local government units and other entities with jurisdiction over the site.
It also authorizes the company to conduct reconnaissance, feasibility studies and other assessments needed before the project can proceed to the next stage of development.
The proposed solar project will cover 202.38 hectares in the municipality of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon.
Under DOE rules, a Certificate of Authority is an early milestone in the solar project development process. It enables developers to assess the technical, environmental and commercial viability of a project before applying for a Solar Energy Operating Contract (SEOC), which authorizes the development and operation of a solar energy facility.
A Brown said the certificate will remain valid for one year from its issuance. During this period, MFPC will complete the studies and regulatory requirements necessary to transition the project into an SEOC with the DOE.
MFPC is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of A Brown through ABC Energy Inc., the company’s renewable energy arm.
The company said the Manolo Fortich Solar Power Project forms part of its broader renewable energy development strategy as it expands its presence in the country’s clean energy sector.
The disclosure did not provide details on the project’s planned generating capacity, estimated investment cost, construction timeline or target commercial operation date.
The project adds to a growing pipeline of solar developments being pursued across the Philippines as developers seek to capitalize on rising electricity demand and the government’s push to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix.
