BENGUET, Philippines – Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, Hedcor, the run-of-river hydropower arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), has turned over more than ₱6 million in community shares to its host municipalities and barangays in Benguet. These funds are expected to help improve local infrastructure, enhance public services, and support livelihood programs that benefit thousands of residents across the province.
With nine run-of-river hydropower facilities operating in Benguet, Hedcor plays a key role not only in providing clean and renewable energy, but also in advancing community well-being through long-term partnerships with local government units. Through the community shares, which are part of the Energy Regulation (ER) 1-94 program of the Department of Energy, Hedcor has contributed to rural electrification, disaster response, educational support, and community-based medical missions—efforts that continue to strengthen both the local economy and social services.
The recent turnover of community shares marks another step forward in Hedcor’s partnership with Benguet’s municipalities. The Municipality of Sablan received over ₱2 million, while three of its barangays received a combined ₱1.3 million.
According to Mayor Alfredo Dacumos Jr., the funds will be directed toward projects that improve mobility, expand access to markets, and support agricultural development. “As the fruit basket of Benguet, our priority is agriculture. We aim to establish Sablan as a recognized agricultural hub. These funds will directly support our farmers and help ensure food security for our community,” he said.
In La Trinidad, the municipal government plans to use its community shares to expand rural electrification across 16 barangays, focusing on far-flung and mountainous areas that have long struggled with limited access to power.
“Many of our remote communities still live without electricity. This affects children the most, as they are forced to study and live in darkness,” said La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda. “With Hedcor’s support, we’re powering up these barangays and national highway communities. A portion of the funds will also go to scholarship programs for underprivileged youth who cannot afford to attend school.”
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Tuba intends to allocate its community shares from Hedcor’s Irisan 1 and Irisan 3 facilities to enhance local water systems, ensuring access to clean and reliable drinking water for residents. The local government also plans to implement infrastructure improvements that address flood-prone areas and strengthen road safety, particularly during extreme weather events.
These projects reflect the value of collaboration between Hedcor and its host communities. “These community shares do more than just provide financial support. They directly impact thousands of lives, strengthening local economies, improving public services, and helping communities become more resilient,” said Noreen Vicencio, General Manager for Hydro Operations. “By investing in our host communities, Hedcor is not only delivering renewable energy it is ensuring that sustainability translates into real, long-term progress for the people of Benguet.”
As Hedcor continues to generate clean energy for the country, its support for Benguet’s rural communities remains unwavering. The company’s commitment to inclusive development ensures that the benefits of renewable energy go beyond power generation and are felt by the people who make it possible.
