AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) and representatives of Barangay Bato in Toledo City, Cebu recently convened for its first Barangay Planning Session, yielding sustainable solutions to local problems and helping push the community toward further development.

During the planning session held last Oct. 24, TVI introduced to community leaders a needs- and risk-based approach to project identification and prioritization.

Rather than starting with the output in mind, TVI encouraged community leaders to examine the root issues of their problems to draw out more comprehensive plans and programs. Brgy. Bato leaders identified the loss of livelihood opportunities due to COVID-19 as the priority issue to be addressed in 2021.

“I see the relationship between TVI and Barangay Bato similar to a married couple. There will be agreements and disagreements, but good communication makes the relationship stronger and long-lasting. We hope that the results of this session will be realized so we can follow through our plans with action,” said Bato Brgy. Councilor Marlon Birao.

Apart from guiding the barangay in their annual work plan for 2021, the proposed projects and initiatives for the identified community issues will also help TVI map out possible corporate social responsibility interventions to support community development.

“Barangay planning sessions add value to the community as they distill concerns of the residents into actionable and realistic programs. Being part of their community, TVI plans to actively collaborate with Barangay Bato to help create long term and sustainable solutions to their needs,” TVI Reputation and Stakeholder Management Supervisor Lou Jason Deligencia said.

AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Visayas, Inc. is the operator of the 340-megawatt Toledo baseload Power Plant located in Brgy. Bato, Toledo City, Cebu. TVI is certified in three ISO standards, namely Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHSMS 45001:2018). The facility is an 80-20 joint venture between Aboitiz Power Corporation and Vivant, Corp. respectively. Together with Therma Luzon, Inc. and Therma South, Inc., the three primarily comprise the Coal Business Unit of AboitizPower.