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Aboitiz Renewables

Aboitiz Renewables delivers relief food packs to 541 flood-affected families in Davao City

by Contributor August 5, 2026

written by Contributor

ABOITIZ Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), distributed ₱268,500 worth of relief food packs to 541 families in Davao City following weeks of heavy rains that caused flooding across several barangays, reaching 397 households in Barangay Tugbok Proper, 75 in Barangay Catalunan Pequeño, and 69 in Barangay Mintal.

The relief operation, carried out in coordination with local government units and barangay officials, aimed to ensure the assistance reached affected households quickly as families began the work of recovery.

“Nagpasalamat mi kay dako kaayo kini og tabang sa among mga lumulupyo, ilabi na sa mga wala pa gyud nakabangon ug wala pa makabalik sa ilang panginabuhian. Dako kaayo kini og tabang alang sa 75 ka pamilya nga padayon pang naningkamot nga makabangon (We are truly grateful because this is a great help to our residents, especially those who have not yet fully recovered and have not been able to return to their livelihoods. This assistance is a big help to the 75 families who are still working to rebuild their lives),” said Kagawad Rhodessa Ladesma of Barangay Catalunan Pequeño.

The relief distribution was coordinated with local government units, complementing ongoing local recovery efforts.

“During times like these, what matters most is standing with our communities when they need us most. We hope these relief packs provide immediate support to affected families as they begin recovering from the recent flooding,” said Noreen Vicencio, vice president and general manager for hydro operations at Aboitiz Renewables.

August 5, 2026 0 comments

How scholars are turning dreams into careers — and paying it forward

by Contributor July 21, 2026

written by Contributor

ASK ANY Filipino student what they dream of becoming, and the answers come easily — a doctor, an engineer, an accountant. The harder question is how to get there. For many families, the challenge is not a lack of ambition or ability, but the financial burden of higher education.

Tuition, daily allowances, and board review fees add up quickly — often enough to make promising students give up on college altogether. The burden is even heavier in far-flung communities, where opportunities are fewer, and every peso is stretched further.

Michelle Mariacos knew this well. She grew up in Bakun, a mountain town in Benguet located hours away from the nearest hospital — and she dreamed of becoming a doctor.

What made the difference for her was a college scholarship from Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower). The scholarship covered her pharmacy degree at Saint Louis University, which became her stepping stone to medical school.

Today, she is Dr. Michelle Mariacos, a Medical Officer III at Benguet General Hospital. On top of her hospital duties, she organizes healthcare missions for communities like the one she came from.

“The culture of being a good neighbor, which I experienced through the scholarship, became my compass during my studies,” Mariacos said. “That care is what inspires me now as a doctor to serve in our local hospitals and help address the healthcare needs of those in the mountain communities.”

Mariacos is one of 61 scholars supported by the program across host communities nationwide. Thirty-one come from the Tiwi host site, which led this year’s achievements with a lineup of magna cum laude and cum laude honorees. The rest come from North Luzon (14), MakBan (4, now completing board reviews), Northern Mindanao (9), and Southern Mindanao (3). Each scholar receives full tertiary funding, stipends, and licensure review support.

Their dreams take different shapes. In Cagayan de Oro, Monica A. Litohon was partway through her five-year accountancy program at Capitol University when her family’s resources began to run low. The scholarship kept her in school.

“The financial support prevented me from dropping out of school when our resources were low,” Litohon stated. “Having this scholarship gave me the freedom to focus entirely on my degree. Today, I can use my training to help neighborhood families manage their earnings.”

Litohon has since passed her board examinations. She now teaches financial literacy to low-income families in her neighborhood — the same kind of help she once received, passed on to others.

For David Vincent Reonal of Bay, Laguna, the dream was engineering. The scholarship supported him through his electrical engineering degree, and he went on to join the company’s Cadet Engineering Program. He now works in the Control and Instrumentation Department of the MakBan geothermal power plant — a facility hosted by his own hometown.

“We believe in nurturing the potential of our youth and giving them the space to dream and pursue their passions,” said Alexander Coo, Chief Operating Officer of Aboitiz Renewables. “Seeing our scholars thrive as engineers, financial enablers, and medical professionals is a milestone for our host communities. Our focus remains on creating shared value by empowering the next generation to lead overall community development.”

A doctor serving mountain communities. An accountant teaching her neighbors to manage their money. An engineer working at the plant in his hometown. For Aboitiz Renewables and

Aboitiz Foundation, these are what scholarships make possible — and across geothermal, hydro, and solar host sites nationwide, more stories like theirs are only beginning.

July 21, 2026 0 comments

Community

Aboitiz Renewables paints a brighter school year for students across 31 host community schools

by Contributor June 11, 2026

written by Contributor

AS SCHOOL Year 2026–2027 begins, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), is welcoming students back to something better. In the weeks leading up to the school opening, the company mobilized employees, resources, and local partners through Brigada Eskwela initiatives across its host communities nationwide — repainting classrooms, repairing facilities, and putting new learning materials in place so that students could walk through the school gates and into spaces that were safer, better equipped, and ready for a new year.

Across 31 public schools and three Schools Division Offices in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Aboitiz Renewables provided over PHP 529,000 worth of support — covering paint, construction and electrical materials, school supplies, water pipes, and school garden materials, among others. Working side by side with teachers, parents, local government representatives, and community partners, the initiatives directly benefited the learners, with each activity shaped by the specific needs of the school community it served.

In the Cordillera, six schools — including Bodiweng Elementary School, Ampucao National High School, and Bakun National High School — received paint, LED bulbs, brushes, rollers, and protective equipment, giving classrooms in the highlands a fresh start ahead of the school opening.

Closer to Manila, the Makban Geothermal Power Plant host communities span Bay and Calauan in Laguna and Sto. Tomas in Batangas brought out 63 volunteers for a hands-on activity day at Sta. Elena Elementary School, where four classrooms and shared areas were repainted. Paint and construction materials were also distributed to 10 other schools in the area — among them Bitin Elementary School, San Pedro National High School, and San Jose Elementary School — as well as three Schools Division Offices, reaching classrooms that needed support beyond what a single activity day could cover.

In Tiwi, Albay, 44 volunteers turned up at Putsan Elementary School to repaint its 10-classroom Edna Sanchez Building and improve other areas of the campus. Materials and manpower support were extended to eight other schools in the area as well, from Tiwi Central Elementary School and Car-Nag Elementary School to Libjo, Biyong, Cale, and Belen Elementary Schools.

“The support from Aboitiz Renewables played an important role in the success of our Brigada Eskwela activities. Volunteers participated in cleaning, repairing, and beautifying different areas of the school — helping accomplish improvements that would have been difficult to complete with our limited resources alone,” said Cynthia C. Competente, Master Teacher 2 and Teacher-in-Charge of Putsan Elementary School.

Rounding out the nationwide effort, Bontongon Elementary School, Lingion Elementary School, and Maluko National High School in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao received painting, electrical, plumbing, and construction materials — meeting the ground-level needs that teachers and community partners had identified ahead of the new school year.

From the highlands of the Cordillera to the classrooms of Bukidnon, each initiative looked different on the ground — but pointed toward the same thing: giving students a school year that starts well.

“Every child who walks into a well-prepared classroom is one step closer to reaching their full potential. We believe that today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders, and that helping schools open their doors ready for students is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the communities we serve,” said Alexander B. Coo, Chief Operating Officer at Aboitiz Renewables. “When employees, teachers, parents, and community partners come together the way they did this Brigada Eskwela, the impact goes far beyond fresh paint — it is an investment in every young person who is only beginning to discover what they are capable of.”

Through Brigada Eskwela and its broader community programs, Aboitiz Renewables continues to work alongside host communities in support of public education — because a brighter school year is the beginning of a brighter future.

June 11, 2026 0 comments

Community

Aboitiz Renewables strengthens nationwide disaster response, brings ‘Golden Hour’ preparedness to host communities

by Contributor May 9, 2026

written by Contributor

ABOITIZ Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), is strengthening disaster and emergency response capabilities in its host communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The initiative focuses on improving response during the “golden hour” — the critical first moments after an emergency when immediate action can save lives.

Empowering grassroots first responders

In Barangay Buhawen, San Marcelino, Zambales, Aboitiz Renewables trained nearly 200 teachers, parents, and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in first aid, strengthening emergency response in areas with limited access to medical services.

Angelina Ladringan, an Aeta barangay health worker, shared that the training now enables them to provide immediate care and better protect their community during emergencies. While training provides the necessary skills to save lives, the effectiveness of these responders often depends on having the right tools to combat environmental hazards.
Strengthening fire safety and rural resilience

Strengthening fire safety and rural resilience

Aboitiz Renewables boosts community safety against environmental hazards by providing hardware and skills training. In Tiwi, Albay, the company partnered with the Bureau of Fire Protection for a three-day fire brigade training, equipping employees with fire suppression and search and rescue skills to act as first responders, reinforcing Aboitiz Renewables’ commitment to safety and community resilience.

While in its host communities In Pangasinan, Aboitiz Renewables focused on fire prevention, donating ₱497,200 in motorized sprayers and grass cutters to local organizations to maintain firebreaks and prevent wildfires from reaching residential areas.

Aboitiz Renewables also expanded its disaster resilience efforts to the Visayas, donating ₱105,800 in specialized equipment to the Calatrava MDRRMO in Negros Occidental. The donation, including spine boards and searchlights, aims to improve safety during nighttime and monsoon operations. “Low visibility in remote areas has challenged our teams,” said MDRRMO head Rey Sumingit.

This community-centered approach extends the company’s safety standards. Recognized by the DOE’s SHAPES awards, Aboitiz Renewables prioritizes a culture of safety far beyond its facilities. By sharing these award-winning standards with host communities, the company ensures local safety complements operational excellence.

“Our culture of safety defines every aspect of how we operate, and we believe that standard should include our host communities,” said Alexander Coo, chief operating officer of Aboitiz Renewables. “By equipping residents with the skills to act during the critical ‘Golden Hour,’ we are building a unified front of local resilience. This ensures that life-saving actions begin the moment an emergency occurs, providing a vital bridge until professional responders can reach the scene.”

Aboitiz Renewables bridges industrial safety expertise and community disaster management, ensuring remote host communities have localized response capabilities, tools, and training for critical emergencies. As the company grows its renewable energy portfolio, these safety efforts empower communities to handle emergencies and protect their neighborhoods.

May 9, 2026 0 comments

Environment

Aboitiz Renewables receives DENR XI recognition for Adopt-an-Estero program support

by Contributor March 27, 2026

written by Contributor

ABOITIZ Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through its hydropower arms, Hedcor Inc. Talomo and Hedcor Sibulan, Inc., was recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI–Environmental Management Bureau XI (DENR-EMB XI) for its continued support of the Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program and its contribution to environmental sustainability.

The program is a DENR-EMB initiative that supports the rehabilitation and sustainable management of rivers, creeks, esteros, and other inland water bodies through partnerships that help improve water quality, reduce pollution, promote proper waste management and sanitation, and support national efforts under the Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275).

The recognition reflects Aboitiz Renewables’ partnership with DENR in helping protect waterways in the Davao Region. Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. joined the Adopt-an-Estero Program for the Sibulan River on August 18, 2010, while Hedcor, Inc. became part of the program for the Talomo River on November 29, 2016.

Under the partnership, Aboitiz Renewables conducts tree-planting and river clean-up activities twice a year, alongside annual information, education, and communication (IEC) sessions on river protection and community health. These efforts have supported riverbank stabilization, improved waste disposal practices, and broadened participation among local government units, schools, and community groups—contributing to cleaner waterways and stronger environmental awareness across the Davao Region.

“This recognition from DENR XI reflects the importance of working hand in hand with communities and partners to help care for our rivers and shared environment,” said Noreen Vicencio, vice president and general manager for hydro operations at Aboitiz Renewables. “Environmental stewardship goes beyond compliance — it is a responsibility we act on through practical programs and partnerships that make a difference on the ground.”

Through its continued participation in the program, Aboitiz Renewables supports efforts to maintain cleaner waterways, promote ecological health, and foster safer and more livable communities.

March 27, 2026 0 comments

Community

DOLE, Industry Partners strengthen Davao City workforce readiness

by Contributor March 17, 2026

written by Contributor

As Davao City continues to attract investments and expand key industries, efforts are underway to ensure that local graduates are equipped with the skills needed to participate in the region’s growing economy.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Davao Region recently convened industry leaders, academic institutions, and government partners for a stakeholder forum titled “Future-Proofing Davao’s Workforce: A Strategic Forum for Industry–Academe Competency Alignment.” The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the academe and industry to better prepare students for emerging employment opportunities across the region.

Davao’s steady economic growth has been supported by investments in critical infrastructure and services, including energy, utilities, and water supply. Among the companies contributing to this development is the Aboitiz Group, which operates several projects in the city—from power distribution through Davao Light and Power Company, power generation through Therma South, Inc. (TSI), renewable energy initiatives through Aboitiz Renewables, and bulk water supply through Apo Agua Infrastructura.

Representatives from these organizations joined the forum alongside other industry partners, sharing insights on workforce needs and participating in the validation and review of academic programs from selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The engagement supports efforts to ensure that training programs remain relevant and aligned with current industry requirements.

“The active engagement between industry and academe is essential in preparing students for the realities of the workplace,” said Kristoben Seredrica, TSI Human Resource Senior Manager. “By working together, we can help create pathways for graduates to build meaningful careers while supporting the region’s continued development.”

DOLE Davao Region welcomed the participation of industry stakeholders, noting that collaboration across sectors plays an important role in building a skilled workforce capable of sustaining Davao’s economic momentum. As investments continue to expand across the city, partnerships between government, industry, and academic institutions remain vital in ensuring that the benefits of growth translate into meaningful livelihood opportunities for Davaoeños.

March 17, 2026 0 comments

Community

Aboitiz Renewables supports mangrove reforestation, coastal cleanup in Davao del Sur

by Contributor March 10, 2026

written by Contributor

ABOITIZ Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), participated in the planting of 500 mangrove seedlings and coastal cleanup at the Bacutan Pawikan Sanctuary and Mangrove Reserve in Sitio Bacutan, Barangay Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

The activity was organized by the Ecological Conservation and Humanitarian Organization (ECHO) cares—a group composed of mountaineers, emergency responders, humanitarian volunteers, and environmental advocates—in partnership with Agri Exim, which supported the initiative by purchasing the mangrove seedlings from the Bacutan Mangrove Growers Association and the Sta. Cruz Municipal Council.

The newly planted mangroves will help strengthen coastal protection, support marine biodiversity, and improve environmental resilience in the area. The Bacutan Pawikan Sanctuary and Mangrove Reserve serves as an important nesting site for pawikan (sea turtles) and a habitat for diverse marine life.

Mangrove forests act as natural barriers against erosion and storm surges while providing breeding grounds for marine species. They also function as carbon sinks, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change.

“Kinahanglan nga magpabilin kitang aktibo sa pag-apil sa mga kalihokan para sa atong kalikupan ug magsilbing maayong ehemplo sa mga kabatan-onan pinaagi sa mga community activities sama sa tree planting ug coastal cleanup. Makatabang usab kini sa lokal nga komunidad tungod kay ginapalit ang mga mangrove seedlings (We need to remain active in participating in activities that care for our environment and serve as good examples for the youth through community efforts such as tree planting and coastal cleanups. These initiatives also support local communities because the mangrove seedlings are purchased from them),” said Connie Baldomero, vice president of ECHO.

Noreen Vicencio, First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations at Aboitiz Renewables, said that protecting biodiversity begins with caring for the ecosystems that sustain life, especially as communities mark the significance of World Wildlife Day.

“Through this mangrove planting and coastal cleanup activity with ECHO and our local partners, we hope to help safeguard coastal habitats while empowering communities to become active stewards of the environment.”

Aboitiz Renewables operates 11 run-of-river hydropower facilities across Mindanao, including the Tudaya 2 plant in Barangay Astorga. The mangrove planting initiative reflects the company’s continued efforts to support environmental conservation and strengthen community resilience in its host communities.

March 10, 2026 0 comments

Community Environment

Aboitiz Renewables, Aboitiz Foundation back IP’s coffee biofence in Mt. Apo

by Contributor January 13, 2026

written by Contributor

ABOITIZ Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation, partnered with leaders of the Bagobo Tagabawa Indigenous Peoples group in planting 1,000 arabica coffee seedlings along Mt. Apo’s Sibulan Trail, creating a natural biofence to help safeguard strict protection zones while also generating potential income for the tribe.

The tree planting activity was done in partnership with the Tribal Councils of Sibulan Clusters 1 and 2, the Barangay Council of Sibulan, and the Apo Sandawa Porters’ Association (ASPA), with support from the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.

This initiative marks the second year of the ‘Kahoy Mo, Kinabuhi Ko’ project, a community-led reforestation effort designed to prevent encroachment into environmentally sensitive areas of the country’s highest peak. The coffee biofence protects biodiversity-rich zones from unauthorized entry while offering Indigenous communities a sustainable livelihood through future coffee harvests.

“Human namo makigkonsulta sa NCIP XI (National Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Region XI), misugod ang konseho og tanom og kape sa gitudlong lugar niadtong Oktubre 2025. Gipili namo ang kape aron mahimong buhing utlanan sa SPZ, maprotektahan ang lasang sa Mt. Apo samtang naay tanom nga puwede ma-ani ug ibaligya sa IP community “After consulting with NCIP XI, the council began planting coffee in designated areas. We chose coffee as a living boundary for the SPZ, protecting Mt. Apo forest while providing a crop the IP community can harvest and sell,”,” said Aboitiz Renewables external relations supervisor for Southern Mindanao Christe Torres.

Datu Jun Tolentino, Tribal Chieftain of Cluster 1, said that the coffee biofence supports Mt. Apo’s ecosystem while creating livelihood options for upland families.

Noreen Vicencio, first vice president and general manager for Hydro Operations at Aboitiz Renewables, said the project shows that conservation is strongest when communities lead it.

“By supporting a coffee biofence along Mt. Apo, we are helping protect a critical ecosystem while enabling Indigenous families to build a sustainable source of income. This is how we translate renewable energy into shared value, where environmental protection and livelihoods grow together,” she said.

January 13, 2026 0 comments

Business

Aboitiz Renewables’ Kabamboohayan project offers new livelihood for Bukidnon IPs

by Contributor December 16, 2025

written by Contributor

The Higaonon tribe in Barangay Santiago, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, has built a thriving bamboo-farming enterprise that now generates ₱26,000 in weekly income under the Kabamboohayan project of Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.

The project name combines the words bamboo and kabuhayan (livelihood), reflecting the project’s advocacy of generating sustainable income through bamboo-based enterprises for the local indigenous community.

Prior to its inception three years ago, members of the tribes relied on seasonal farming or irregular transport work. Now, they have an alternative that offers steady income, formal skills training, and a growing market for bamboo raw materials and products.

Through partnerships with TESDA–Manolo Fortich and the Public Employment Service Office, the Kabamboohayan project trained participants to become certified bamboo nursery operators. Now part of the Santiago Diversified Farmers Association (SANDIVFA), they produce around 3,000 bamboo slats weekly for an offtaker in Cagayan de Oro City.

“Sa una, nagkalisod gyud mi sa panginabuhi. Ang kita sa mais igo ra sa adlaw-adlaw. Karon, tungod sa among kooperatiba, naa mi klarong halin matag semana (Before, we really struggled. The income from corn farming was barely enough for our daily needs. Now, through the cooperative, we have steady earnings every week),” said Noemie Buclasan, a mother of three.

For Raymond Carlos, a father who works as a driver, the most significant gain is his upskilling and education. “Ang NC II nga nakuha nako gikan sa training usa ka dakong tabang. Kung mahunong man ang bamboo, naa koy kasaligan nga abilidad (The National Certificate II I got from the training is a big help. Even if bamboo production pauses, I now have a skill I can depend on),” he said.

Beyond providing livelihoods, the project also promotes environmental stewardship by supporting sustainable land use in indigenous communities, aligning with the Watershed Management Plan of Manolo Fortich.

Noreen Vicencio, first vice president and general manager for Hydro Operations at Aboitiz Renewables, shared that the goal is to build real, long-term value in communities.

“In Barangay Santiago, we saw the potential of both the land and the people. With proper training, local leadership, and strong partnerships, we’ve helped turn a rehabilitation site into a working bamboo enterprise that supports both livelihoods and the environment. This is how we move from clean energy to inclusive impact,” she said.

Barangay Santiago sits within the watershed of the Tanaon, Amusig, and Guihean rivers, upstream of the Manolo Fortich 1 and 2 hydro facilities operated by Hedcor, the run-of-river hydropower arm of Aboitiz Renewables.

December 16, 2025 0 comments

Community

Scholars complete college education with grant from Aboitiz Renewables, Aboitiz Foundation

by Contributor September 8, 2025

written by Contributor

Aboitiz Renewables, in partnership with Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., celebrated the graduation of 13 college scholars from its rural host communities in Albay and Bukidnon, highlighting their advocacy of advancing education to underprivileged but deserving students.

A scholar completed his degree in agriculture at the Central Mindanao University, while the rest accomplished their respective degrees in education, engineering, entrepreneurship, and nursing at Bicol University.

“Education ignites personal growth, and growth minded people will be the leading driver of progress for our nation,” said Aboitiz Renewables President Jimmy Villaroman. “We are proud to witness our scholars reach this important milestone. We wish them continued success and hope their journey inspires others. May they create opportunities that empower more young people to thrive, energizing progress and uplifting communities in their own way.”

Fredie Jr. Nanganlag, sixth of ten children, grew up working the fields of Bukidnon. After earning his
agriculture degree, he’s bringing science and organic practices back home to help his family and the
community.

Since 2015, the Aboitiz Renewables College Scholarship Program has provided support to 103 students nationwide through stipends, academic performance incentives, and mentorship. The initiative helps ease the financial burden of higher education while preparing scholars for future leadership roles.

“This scholarship allowed me to complete my degree despite the challenges of living in an off-grid community. Now that I’ve graduated, I want to use my knowledge to help farmers in our area,” said Fredie Nanganlag Jr., who earned a degree in Agriculture major in Crop Science – Plant Breeding from Central Mindanao University.

“I was empowered, so I want to empower others. My goal is to inspire students from communities like mine to believe they can succeed, no matter where they begin,” added Magna Cum Laude graduate Melody de Vera Cerio, who finished a degree in English Language from Bicol University.

The program forms part of Aboitiz Renewables and Aboitiz Foundation’s corporate social responsibility initiatives in host communities surrounding its hydro, solar, and geothermal facilities. Beyond education, these initiatives also extend to livelihood development, environmental stewardship, and community programs.

September 8, 2025 0 comments

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