SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna — The Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) operator has received three major environmental awards from the City Government of Santa Rosa, Laguna, recognizing its initiatives in sustainability and environmental protection.
MPCALA Holdings Inc. (MPHI), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and concessionaire of CALAX, was recognized under the city’s annual Guarantee the Restoration of the Environment & our Ecological Niche (GREEN) Awards.
The recognition marks the fourth consecutive year that MPHI has been honored by the Santa Rosa City Government.
This year, CALAX received the following awards:
Sustainable Development Partner – for its participation in coastal clean-up activities aimed at preserving ecosystems, reducing pollution in Laguna Lake, and supporting climate change mitigation.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partner – for initiatives focused on reducing energy consumption, promoting renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency across its offices, toll plazas and other facilities.
Earth Hour Advocate – for its participation in the annual Earth Hour movement and efforts to promote energy conservation and environmental awareness.
Among the company’s sustainability initiatives is the MPT South Hub, which features 1,184 solar panels that generate about 97 percent of the building’s energy requirements. The facility also has a rainwater harvesting system that reduces water use by 10 percent, as well as electric vehicle charging stations for the company’s EV fleet.
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. These awards reflect our commitment to integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations, from building greener infrastructure to adopting environmentally responsible practices,” MPHI President and General Manager Andrew B. Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan added that the company remains committed to pursuing sustainable practices as CALAX continues to expand.
CALAX is a 44.6-kilometer expressway connecting Cavite and Laguna. Once completed, the expressway is expected to serve approximately 95,000 motorists daily.
Its currently operational segments run from Biñan, Laguna to General Trias, Cavite, reducing travel time between the two areas from about an hour to 26 minutes.
Aside from improving mobility, CALAX’s shorter travel times may help reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. The expressway also incorporates sustainability measures such as solar power systems, rainwater harvesting facilities and the gradual transition of the company’s corporate fleet to electric vehicles.
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