Renewable energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power Magat (SNAP-Magat) joined the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) in a 6-day virtual Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign on June 14 to 19, 2021, to provide communities downstream of the Magat Dam with a greater understanding of varied weather conditions, disaster management, and Magat Dam operations and protocols.
The webinar was divided into five clusters to focus on distinct stakeholder groups: Alfonso Lista, in Ifugao, Ramon and San Mateo in Isabela; Aurora, Cabatuan, and Luna in Isabela; Burgos, Gamu, Naguilian, and Reina Mercedes in Isabela; Cagayan Province; and Tuguegarao City.
Technical experts from PAGASA presented information on hydro-metrological hazards, dynamics in flood river basins, and climate outlook. NIA-MARIIS and SNAP-Magat lectured on flood forecasting and warning system lecture and hydroelectric power plant operation, respectively, while the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Isabela provided practical tips on emergency preparedness.
The webinars drew almost 500 local officials from 249 barangay local government units (BLGUs) and 38 municipal local government units (MLGUs) from Isabela and Cagayan provinces. Each session was also live-streamed via the PAGASA’s Hydro-Meteorology Division Flood-Forecasting and Warning Section (HMD-FFWS) Facebook page.
The IEC came to a close on June 19 with a communication simulation drill following the end-to-end communication framework observed during a spillway gate opening. All concerned LGUs, PDRRMOs, and municipal DRRMOs participated in the virtual tabletop exercise.
SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) is a joint venture of Scatec Solar and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP). Scatec is a Norway-based leading renewable power producer that delivers affordable and clean energy worldwide. As a long-term player, Scatec develops, builds, owns, and operates solar, wind, and hydro power plants and storage solutions. AP is the holding company of the Philippines-based Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.
SNAP owns and operates the 388-MW Magat hydroelectric power plant on the border of Isabela and Ifugao; and the 8.5-MW Maris hydroelectric power plant in Isabela. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned, managed, and operated by the government.
