Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation, released ₱1.8 million in royalty shares to 13 Indigenous Peoples (IP) organizations in Davao del Sur for the fourth quarter of 2024.
The royalties — channeled through subsidiaries Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. and Hedcor Tudaya, Inc., which collectively operate four run-of-river hydro facilities in the province — will support tree planting initiatives, community nurseries, and forest ranger programs in the nearby Mount Apo.
Of the amount, the Mount Apo Bagobo-Tagabawa Ancestral Domain Inc. received over half a million pesos, while IP groups Sibulan’s Cluster 1 and 2 were given over P400,000 and P500,000, respectively. Close to P300,000 were also distributed to other clusters and tribal councils.
The royalties are granted under Section 60 of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples’ (NCIP) Administrative Order No. 03, Series of 2012, which entitles host Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) to a share in the benefits from resource use within their ancestral domains. The NCIP facilitated the validation and release process to ensure compliance with the applicable rules, existing law, and proper distribution to the rightful beneficiaries.
“This arrangement between NCIP, Aboitiz Renewables, and our Indigenous Peoples groups is built on respect, collaboration, and shared aspirations,” said Atty. Geroncio R. Aguio, CESO III, Director of NCIP Region XI. “Together, we are enabling our IP communities to make long-term investments in their future while preserving the cultural and natural heritage that defines them.”
“Mt. Apo is not just our ancestral land — it is the source of our water and life,” added Bae Dalia Agtag Pogoy, Tribal Chieftain of Bagobo Tagabawa Cluster 2 in Sibulan. “We invest in protecting it for the next generation.”
Previous royalty shares supported the development of two ecotourism projects — Mt. Buribid and Palaka Hot Springs — which are set to launch this year, generating income for Sibulan Clusters 1 and 2.
Royalty shares are also being used to enable IP youth to pursue higher studies. Since 2012, eight scholars have successfully completed college, most of whom took Education and became teachers for their tribes. Fourteen more scholars are currently pursuing degrees.
“By working hand-in-hand with NCIP and our IP partners, we’re helping build resilient, self-sustaining communities grounded in cultural heritage and empowered by clean energy,” said Noreen Vicencio, Aboitiz Renewables First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations.
In 2024, the NCIP recognized Hedcor as a “Champion for Indigenous Peoples” for its “unwavering dedication to the indigenous peoples of the Davao Region.”
“Their consistent efforts in uplifting the lives of IP communities, while respecting and preserving their cultural heritage, truly set a standard for corporate responsibility,” Aguio said.
