Local Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in the municipalities of Sablan and Tuba, Benguet are scaling up organic farming and enhancing irrigation with the help of royalty shares from Hedcor’s run-of-river hydropower operations.
Royalty shares are fair compensation given to IPs for the use of their ancestral land and resources.
Hedcor is the run-of-river hydropower arm of Aboitiz Renewables Inc. that operates 22 run-of-river hydropower facilities; nine of which are located in Benguet. The Company adheres to free, prior and informed consent in providing the royalty shares, ensuring direct and tailor-fitted benefits.
In Sablan, the Pahnga ni Sabdang Indigenous Peoples Organization (PASIPO) received ₱2.2 million in royalty shares to support agricultural and livelihood development across eight barangays.
“The initiative will focus on the propagation of fruit-bearing trees, upgrading traditional tapuey (rice wine) brewing and broom-making enterprises, and establishing a composting facility to advance organic farming methods,” said PASIPO President Lilian Balangue, noting how these would help boost crop production and generate sustainable income.
Meanwhile, in Tuba, the Tagadi-Aguyao Indigenous Peoples Organization (TAIPO) received over ₱250,000 in royalty shares to help address water supply challenges and reduced crop yields through investments in irrigation, free-range poultry, and materials such as greenhouse plastic sheets and anthurium nets.
“These upgrades will help improve productivity and provide a more stable supply of food within the community,” explained TAIPO President Anita Madarang.
“Hedcor’s partnership with the indigenous communities in Benguet — the ‘Salad Bowl of the Philippines’ continues to focus on sustainable farming, food production, and responsible use of natural resources,” added Aboitiz Renewables First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Business Unit Noreen Vicencio. “We recognize the value of supporting long-term projects that reflect community priorities and help improve quality of life.”
Companies within the Hedcor Group are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Aboitiz Power Corporation through Aboitiz Renewables. Through the royalty shares generated from its facilities, Hedcor supports corporate social responsibility programs that promote inclusive development within its host communities, connecting clean power generation with practical, locally-led initiatives.
