Power distribution company AboitizPower has received the approval of La Trinidad’s local government unit (LGU) to expand its hydropower plant facilities in Bineng.
Hedcor, AboitizPower’s subsidiary, will carry out the development of the capacity of Bineng Combined Hydropower Project from 5.48 megawatts (MW) to 19 MW after the LGU signed the Memorandum of Agreement last June 27.
“We are positive that this development will have great impact on the municipality’s growth. The local government will play an active role in making this project a success,” La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, said.
Last year, 77 million pesos was received by the La Trinidad LGU as its share from the operation of the hydropower plants. They also received corporate social responsibility projects, including farm-to-market roads, school buildings, loans, and cooperatives involved in the cut flower business, amounting to 13 million pesos.
The cut flower production through greenhouses was commenced in the early 1990s in Barangay Bineng. Bineng remains as one of the largest producers of cut flowers in Benguet today.
“Since 2006, Hedcor has been very supportive of our cooperative. With the financial assistance and trainings, we were able to support our cut flower businesses and make them thrive,” said Lamut Multipurpose Cooperative member Bernard Waknisen.
Hedcor and AboitizPower said they do not bound their portfolios to building renewable energy facilities, but in the socio-economic development of the communities they serve as well.
On the other hand, Hedcor has sustained its growth momentum by starting four hydroelectric power plants owned by Baguio City. These were followed by generation facilities in La Trinidad, Sablan, Tuba, Bakun, and Itogon.
The partners also said this combined project exemplifies their “commitment to advancing business and communities, and a testament to the company’s continued expansion of its renewable energy portfolio.”
Currently, AboitizPower’s geothermal, hydro, and solar power plants located all over the country record a combined capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
Moreover, three projects are lined up for the distribution company. “The company continues to grow its renewable portfolio with the construction of the 69-MW Manolo Fortich run-of-river hydro project in Bukidnon and the 8-MW Maris Canal hydro project in Isabela. Soon, it will commission its first biomass power plant through subsidiary Aseagas in Batangas.”
