The Indigenous People (IP) of La Trinidad Organization (LTIPO) has approved Hedcor Inc.’s 19-megawatt (MW) Bineng Combined Hydropower Project in Benguet.
Aboitiz Power Corp.’s unit Hedcor said in a statement that they signed a partnership with the indigenous peoples for the development of the hydropower project in La Trinidad.
The plant will source power from the Balili River and will be operational by 2018. It will boost the hydropower plant’s capacity from 5.48 MW to 19 MW.
“We are happy that the IPs of La Trinidad see the benefit of our project. Hedcor will continue to partner with the communities to make a better community,” Hedcor senior vice president Chris Faelnar said.
LTIPO signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on January 25, allowing benefits to the IP organization for favoring the company’s operations in the province.
“The provisions of our MOA will surely benefit the IP community,” IP municipal representative Charles Abela said.
The organization will receive one centavo per kilowatt royalty share from what the plant generates. Around P600, 000 will be remitted to the organization annually for power generation, and P800, 000 for their development fund.
Under the agreement, there will also be the construction of a multi-purpose building with a view deck overlooking scenic spots to promote tourism in the area.
*Photo from Shutterstock
