Therma South, Inc. (TSI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), has turned over PHP 1 million worth of livelihood kits to disadvantaged farmers and indigenous peoples (IPs) in Davao City’s Paquibato and Marilog Districts.

The donation was coursed through Peace 911, the city government’s coordinating body for peace and development programs. It aims to support income generation among geographically isolated communities.

A total of 29 sewing machines were distributed across 11 IP tribes covering 13 barangays, expected to benefit about 2,000 women members. Women’s groups from the Ovu Manobo tribe in Marilog and the Ata tribe in Paquibato were among the primary recipients.

“We use available materials to make rugs, pajamas, and pillowcases, and sell them during our IP Day,” said Bai Aida of the Ovu Manobo women’s association. Ata representative Biyo Alma Omo added that the tools will allow women to produce tribal attire for cultural events while also earning income.

Farmers also received shovels, hoes, weeding knives, fertilizer sprayers, vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and compost. “The seeds are especially helpful because they are expensive right now,” said Edgardo Haspe, Officer-in-Charge of the City Agriculturist Office, noting that more IP farmer associations are lined up for similar assistance.

Earlier this month, TSI also organized a backyard gardening training session for 25 participants from Binugao and Sta. Cruz, led by Davao Thermo Biotech Corp. owner Olive Puentespina at Malagos Farm. Beneficiaries included the Barangay Binugao’s Backyard Gardeners Association, which manages a community garden with Therma South’s support.

“Peacebuilding initiatives are vital when we talk about sustainable development for Davao and Mindanao,” said Atty. Alona Suzell Ruyeras-Borromeo, Corporate Services Head of the AboitizPower Transition Business Group in Mindanao. “We are privileged to work with the City Government of Davao in helping forward inclusive growth—where no one is left behind.”

Therma South operates a 300 MW circulating fluidized bed coal plant between Davao City and Sta. Cruz, supplying over 20 distribution utilities and electric cooperatives across Mindanao.

What are your thoughts on how energy companies can balance reliable power generation with community development in Mindanao?

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