Hundreds of farmers and seedling producers in ACEN’s host communities in Ilocos Norte are gaining access to digital banking and financial literacy through a partnership with BDO Network Bank, helping modernize payments and strengthen rural livelihoods.

ACEN has partnered with BDO Network Bank to equip farmers and seedling producers in its host communities in Ilocos Norte with financial management skills and access to digital banking services, supporting the company’s broader efforts to improve livelihoods alongside its renewable energy operations.

The initiative covers communities surrounding ACEN’s 81 MW North Luzon Renewables, 160 MW Pagudpud Wind, and 70 MW Capa Wind projects. Training sessions were held in Barangays Caparispisan and Caunayan in Pagudpud, as well as neighboring communities, drawing more than 300 participants composed of farmers and family heads.

Participants attended financial wellness sessions covering budgeting, saving, responsible financial planning, fraud awareness, and the safe management of personal finances.

The program also introduced participants to digital banking by providing cash cards and ATM cards, enabling farmers and seedling producers to receive payments electronically and perform everyday banking transactions such as checking account balances, transferring funds, and paying bills through digital channels.

ACEN said the initiative supports its efforts to modernize payments for its seedling production program by replacing traditional cash disbursements with digital banking.

The company partnered with BDO Network Bank, the community banking arm of BDO Unibank, to bring banking services closer to underserved communities. Through its nationwide network of more than 600 branches and loan offices, the bank aims to improve access to essential financial services in remote areas.

“Our farmers and seedling producers are central to ACEN’s conservation efforts, and their inclusion in the formal banking system is key to building more resilient livelihoods and advancing sustainable development. Through our partnership with BDO, we are expanding access to financial services in our host communities while strengthening confidence in the banking system,” said Jesusa Arellano, Chief Finance Officer for ACEN Philippines Development and Operations.

Editha L. Agsunod, Area Head for BDO Network Bank Pagudpud, said financial literacy must go hand in hand with access to banking services.

“Financial inclusion begins with access and understanding. We want the participants to feel confident in managing their earnings, building savings, and protecting their finances. Through this partnership with ACEN, we are bringing banking services closer to communities and helping more farmers take meaningful steps toward financial security,” she said.

For many participants, receiving an ATM card marked their first experience with formal banking.

Imelda Pedro, a 54-year-old seedling producer from Barangay Balaoi, said the program gave participants practical knowledge they could apply in their daily lives.

“Having an ATM card for the first time made us feel included in services that many people in larger towns take for granted. Programs like this give us confidence that we can better support our families while continuing to contribute to the conservation efforts in our community,” she said.

Another participant, Minette Lagalo of Barangay Caunayan, said the training encouraged her family to become more financially prepared.

“This program opened our eyes to the importance of saving and planning for the future. Receiving our ATM cards and learning how to use them gave us confidence that our earnings can be managed more safely and conveniently. We are grateful for this opportunity because it helps our families become more prepared for the future,” she said.

The seedlings produced by participating farmers are used in ACEN’s Conservation Estate in Ilocos Norte, a biodiversity and reforestation initiative that complements the company’s renewable energy projects. Through the program, local communities generate additional income while helping restore habitats and rehabilitate landscapes.

ACEN said combining livelihood opportunities, financial education, and access to banking services helps ensure that communities hosting renewable energy projects also benefit from the country’s clean energy transition.

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