LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The 19-megawatt Bineng Combined hydropower plant of Hedcor in La Trinidad, Benguet received the approval of the three host barangays in February. Barangay Bineng, Alno, and Alapang signed separate memoranda of agreement with Hedcor reiterating their trust and support to the company.
All the barangays will be receiving a share from the hydropower plant’s operation which increases every five years. Hedcor will also shoulder the maintenance works for the existing farm-to-market road and will open additional roads and footpaths for the benefit of the host communities.
In support of a safe and healthy community, medical equipment will be provided and an annual medical and dental mission. Through the MOAs, the barangays also found a partner in Hedcor for the stepping up their community development programs.
“We are thankful for the communities’ acceptance and trust. The project is one step ahead in driving change for a betterworld which we advocate,” says Chris Faelnar, Senior Vice President, Hedcor.
On top of the benefits from the MOA, the communities will also benefit from Hedcor’s corporate social responsibility programs centered on education, enterprise development, and the environment.
Bineng Combined is a renewable energy facility that will harness the hydropower of the Balili River. It is expected to start construction in April after all permits are secured.
Last January, the indigenous people ancestral domain represented by the La Trinidad Indigenous People Organization inked a MOA with Hedcor in favor of the project.
“We are positive that the construction will spur economic activities in our community,” said Pendon Thompson, IP Leader.
By Claren Padinay