AboitizPower run-of-river hydro unit breaks ground for 19-MW Bineng project
Hedcor, AboitizPower‘s subsidiary that operates and manages run–of–river hydropower plants all over the Philippines, broke ground for its 19-megawatt (MW) Bineng Combination Hydro project in La Trinidad, Benguet, sustaining the said municipality’s story as a hydropower host community.
With the support of the members of the indigenous people in the community and municipal officials led by La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, Hedcor celebrated the start of construction of the hydropower project on December 5.
Mayor Salda expressed his confidence in Hedcor. “All stakeholders will benefit after this project will be completed. Along the way, if we still have problems that we will encounter while this project is ongoing, let us resolve it through dialogue,” he said.
Pendon Thompson, the IP Representative of the municipality, also expressed support for the project, “Hedcor has respected our rights as indigenous people despite the absence ofIPRA Law before. Since then, Hedcor hydro plants were built on trust. We fully support this Bineng Combination Hydro project which will greatly benefit our community.”
The Php1.7-billion Bineng Combination Hydro was approved by the Municipality of La Trinidad and host Barangays Bineng, Alapang, and Alno earlier this year. Once completed in June 2019, it is expected to generate 62 million kilowatt hours annually.
Chris Sangster, AboitizPower Executive Director, said that the project is in line with the company’s commitment to inclusive growth.
“Along with the construction of the plant is the benefit to the community. We will live up to be your neighbor of choice. We commit to help through our corporate social responsibility focused on three core areas: education, enterprise development, and the environment,” Sangster said.
To date, Hedcor has 22 hydropower plants that are strategically located in the provinces of Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, and Davao to provide customers with ample and reliable supply of clean and renewable energy. It is currently commissioning its 69-MW Manolo Fortich project in Bukidnon, which will increase its total capacity of 185 MWupon completion.
