Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Hedcor turns over ₱5.1M royalty shares to Bukidnon IP communities

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (December 29, 2024) — Hedcor, the renewable energy asset manager of AboitizPower, has turned over ₱5,140,167.01 in royalty shares to Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Bukidnon for 2022-2023. These funds directly benefit the host communities of Hedcor’s Manolo Fortich 1 and 2 hydroelectric power plants, advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development

Five Indigenous Peoples (IP) organizations received their royalties, signifying progress for their communities. The Santiago Tribal Community (SANTRICO), Inc. and Impakibel, Apo Man Asilan Tribal Association were each awarded ₱1,401,529.47. Meanwhile, the Lumikapaw Ka Guihean Tribal Council of Elders and Guilang-Guilang Apo Datu Nanikunan Association, Inc. each received ₱935,578.60. The Buklod Kayantang Tribal Association, Inc. was granted ₱465,950.87. These funds embody a commitment to empowering and uplifting Indigenous communities, going beyond mere financial support.
The funds will be used for initiatives identified by the IP communities themselves, including livelihood assistance, skills training to strengthen economic resilience, scholarships for Indigenous youth, and elder care programs.
The projects will also help empower women entrepreneurs, preserve traditional practices, and advance environmental efforts such as reforestation.
Bae Priscilla Cariaga, President of Buklod Kayantang Tribal Association, Inc., expressed gratitude for the turnover.
“Ang pagtinabangay uban sa Hedcor nagpalambo sa among komunidad. Ang mga pondo makatabang sa pagpreserba sa among kultura, pagtubag sa mga kinahanglanon, ug paghimo og mga oportunidad para sa umaabot nga henerasyon,” she said.
(Working together with Hedcor has developed our community. The funds help preserve our culture, address our needs, and create opportunities for future generations.)
Implemented closely with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 10, the program ensures that projects align with cultural preservation and ancestral domain protection.
“Through joint efforts, we achieve meaningful progress for Indigenous Peoples, safeguarding their heritage while promoting development,” said lawyer Dexter B. Precioso, NCIP regional legal officer.
Hedcor Vice President for Corporate Services Noreen Vicencio said the giving out of royalty shares underscores Hedcor’s zeal to collaborate with IP organizations to enhance community well-being.
“This turnover is more than just meeting our obligations—it reflects our commitment to a meaningful partnership. We are honored to support the IP organizations’ efforts to advance livelihood, education, and cultural heritage.
By working side by side, we help ensure a lasting, positive impact that strengthens their communities and enriches their future,” Vicencio said.
She reiterated that by returning these royalty shares to the communities, Hedcor continues to advance renewable energy while strengthening communities, protecting cultural identities, and fostering long-term growth and opportunity. (Hedcor-AboitizPower/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Hedcor gives P3.2-M shares to Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (July 16, 2024) – Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño receives the municipality’s community shares from Hedcor represented by External Relations Manager for Mindanao David Tacder and Assistant Vice President for External Relations John Michael Rico

The local government plans to allocate the shares to priority projects widening healthcare service access to remote barangays, enhancing support for early childhood education, and improving safety and security through the installation of additional solar street lights.

Broken down, P1.59 million in community shares and P1.63 million in ER 1-94 funds were sourced from the operation of Hedcor’s two hydropower plants in Manolo Fortich, covering the period of July to December 2023.

ER 1-94, a policy of the government, was enacted to ensure that host communities get a reasonable share of the profit from power plants operating in their area. It states that these communities will receive one centavo for every kilowatt hour (P0.01/kWh) generated.

“Thank you very much, Hedcor family, for the significant amount received by the local government. Thank you also for your help to Manolo Fortich. It has been our great dream that a company investing in our town can assist our fellowmen, especially those in need,” said Quiño.

During the 107th Charter Day celebration of Manolo Fortich, the local government recognized Hedcor as one of its top taxpayers for fiscal year 2023, commending its support for the municipality’s programs.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support the municipality of Manolo Fortich in its efforts to improve the community’s quality of life. We are aligned in our efforts to foster sustainable growth and make a positive difference in the lives of the residents,” said Hedcor President and Chief Operating Officer Rolando Pacquiao. (Manila Bulletin)

Hedcor completes P1.3-M water system for Higaonons in Bukidnon

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon – Hedcor, one of the leading renewable energy operators in the Philippines and a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower), collaborated with this municipality for a P1.3-million water system project meant to bring clean and potable water to Higaonon families living in Barangays Maluko and Guilang-Guilang

Representatives from Hedcor and Barangays Maluko and Guilang-Guilang in Bukidnon inspect the pipes that help provide access to clean water to communities.

During the turnover ceremony, Maluko Barangay Captain Ramir Linohon thanked Hedcor for its dedication to helping finish the water system project which addresses a long-standing problem in the community.

“I hope other companies follow Hedcor’s example in working hand-in-hand with the community on programs that leave a positive impact for present and future generations,” Linohon said.

According to Water.org, a global nonprofit organization that advocates access to water and sanitation, 57 million Filipinos, or more than half of the country’s population, lack access to reliable, safely managed sources of water. At the same time, 43 million people, or 39 percent of Filipinos, lack access to safely managed household sanitation facilities.

By eliminating the need to fetch water from a well, which is often a laborious and arduous task assigned to women and children, families in these barangays can have direct access to running water, experience better hygiene, and improve health. They will also be able to use the saved time, effort, and money for other productive activities, like studying or tending to their livelihoods.

The project includes the rehabilitation of the existing water system in Barangay Maluko and the construction of a new one in Barangay Guilang-Guilang. Work on the former will help reduce the incidence of water shortages and ensure the long-term sustainability of the community’s water supply while the latter, when completed, will address the area’s clean water supply shortage for the convenience of around 1,500 individuals.

Hedcor President and Chief Operating Officer Rolando G. Pacquiao said that the project responds to the needs of the community and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 6 which is universal access to clean water and sanitation for all.

“We are happy for the opportunity to help deliver this vital resource to the Higaonons living here as the project will most certainly improve their quality of life,” Pacquiao said.

“We could not have done this without the support and cooperation of the local government and the community,” Pacquiao added. “Our success is their success, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to support the development of the communities where we operate.” (Manila Bulletin)