SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth by putting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at the center of its annual Host Communities’ Forums, which is held across its project sites in Benguet, Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya this September.

With the theme, “Redefining Impact: ESG in Community Development,” the forums gathered more than 200 representatives from local government units, indigenous peoples’ organizations, and partner institutions to promote shared responsibility in building resilient, sustainable, and future-ready communities.

SNAP President and CEO Joseph Yu said the company’s ESG approach goes beyond energy production, highlighting its role in empowering host communities and facilitating inclusive progress. “It’s not only about building renewable power plants; it’s also about building stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready communities,” Yu said.

Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Chief Operating Officer Mardi Mapa-Suplido, who served as keynote speaker, encouraged local stakeholders to view ESG as a governance framework that enhances long-term development outcomes. She emphasized that aligning local initiatives with ESG standards can help communities adapt to climate risks, attract sustainable investments, and promote transparency in decision-making.

The first leg of the series, held in Itogon, Benguet, featured updates on SNAP’s renewable energy expansion projects. This included the 40-megawatt Binga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS 1) — the first in the Cordillera region to reach financial close and begin construction. Subsequent sessions in Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya brought together more than 150 local leaders to discuss progress in community-led programs and ongoing CSR collaborations.

Since 2008, SNAP’s corporate social responsibility fund has completed over 1,200 projects worth around PHP 600 million, covering initiatives in education, livelihood, indigenous peoples’ development, social infrastructure, environmental protection, and local governance.

SNAP, a joint venture between Scatec and Aboitiz Renewables Inc., operates the Ambuklao, Binga, Magat, and Maris hydroelectric power plants with a combined capacity of over 600 megawatts. The company continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, including hydro and battery storage projects, while strengthening partnerships with host communities through its ESG-driven framework.

Do you think the adoption of ESG frameworks by energy companies can help strengthen local resilience and drive inclusive growth? 

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