SNAP-Benguet holds annual community forum in Itogon
SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a sustainable future during its annual host community forum (HCF) held on October 12, 2023, in barangay Tuding, Itogon, Benguet. The forum centered on the theme "Shaping a Sustainable Energy Future: The Influence of Climate Change on Hydropower and Our Local Communities."
During his keynote address, Joseph Yu, the President and CEO of the SNAP Group, delved into the repercussions of climate change on hydropower enterprises. He underscored the company's commitment to delivering sustainable and fair solutions aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and enhancing the well-being of communities.
"We remain committed to harnessing emerging technologies, such as advanced weather and inflow forecasting, to enhance the efficiency of our hydropower facilities. Additionally, we are actively working on the development of alternative renewable energy sources, including solar power, and complementary technologies like battery energy storage systems," Yu articulated.
This year's HCF drew approximately 60 attendees from local government units and indigenous people's organizations (IPOs).
Hon. Norberto Pacio, a member of the Itogon Sangguniang Bayan and Chairperson of the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO), expressed gratitude to SNAP for its support to the community.
"SNAP has played a pivotal role in extending aid to Itogon and the indigenous groups through various projects. They have provided educational scholarships, livelihood opportunities, and other forms of assistance that have greatly benefited our communities," he acknowledged.
Over the past 15 years, the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community investment initiatives have facilitated 480 projects valued at approximately PhP198 million. These initiatives encompass education, healthcare, livelihood support, and investments in cultural preservation, heritage protection, infrastructure development, and environmental initiatives.
In 2022, the company renewed its commitment to sustainability by integrating it into its core strategies. They also initiated an avifauna assessment along the Ambuklao-Binga watershed to bolster conservation endeavors. To date, the company has planted 201,115 seedlings across 165 hectares, exemplifying its unwavering dedication to renewable energy solutions and proactive efforts in safeguarding biodiversity.
"Addressing the challenges of climate change go hand-in-hand with our commitment to the progress of our communities; I look forward to working together with you to create a sustainable energy future," Yu said.
About SNAP-Benguet:
SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP).
Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets. As a long-term player, they develop, build, own and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.6 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. They are committed to growing their renewable energy capacity, delivered by their 800 passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘SCATC’.
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-Benguet owns and operates the 112.5-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plants in Benguet. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned and managed by the government. In line with established protocols, SNAP operates the spillway gates during normal conditions and the government takes over operations during extraordinary conditions.
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