In observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month in July, AboitizPower is highlighting its efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities in its host communities nationwide. Through collaboration with local governments and partner organizations, its business units continue to support both immediate relief and long-term resilience-building in the face of increasing natural hazards.
Under AboitizPower’s renewable energy arm, Aboitiz Renewable Inc. (ARI), various initiatives are being implemented nationwide to enhance disaster readiness and emergency response in vulnerable areas.
Through AP Renewables Inc. (APRI), ARI has supported the Municipality of Tiwi since 2019 via the Adopt-A-Municipality program, in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation and the National Resilience Council (NRC). The multi-year initiative includes risk assessments, hazard mapping, leadership development, and technical assistance to help local government units plan more effectively for disaster and climate risks. The program aligns with national development goals and disaster management plans. APRI and the Aboitiz Foundation were even recognized by NRC, DENR, and the Office of Civil Defense during a colloquium in Pasay City for their support of the initiative.
In October 2024, APRI also responded quickly to the impacts of Typhoon Kristine, providing relief to 5,332 individuals in Tiwi, Albay, and the MakBan areas of Laguna and Batangas. Employees pre-packed relief goods, including rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, water, and biscuits, and distributed them in affected areas. With power outages widespread, APRI also set up charging stations for emergency devices. Earlier that year, 20 handheld radios were also donated to the Tiwi Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, which later proved critical for communication during rescue operations.
Meanwhile, through its solar business, ARI extended support to Calatrava, Negros Occidental earlier this year by donating a motorized rubber boat to the local disaster risk reduction management office, enhancing coastal emergency response capabilities and preparedness for water-related risks.
In North Luzon, the leading run-of-river hydroelectric firm, Hedcor, has responded to multiple disasters over the past two years. Following Typhoons Carina and Enteng in 2024, over 6,000 liters of diesel fuel were delivered to several municipalities in Benguet and Mountain Province, including fuel-powered road-clearing equipment, emergency transport vehicles, and generators. In 2023, Typhoon Egay prompted similar efforts, with 2,480 liters of fuel and 150 sacks of rice distributed in hard-hit areas of Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Sur to support evacuation centers and remote sitios.
In Mindanao, ARI’s disaster response activities remain active across Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, and Davao City. In 2024, APRI provided P300,000 in emergency assistance to Impasugong, Bukidnon, during the El Niño state of calamity and P17,500 to IP students affected by a fire at the University of Southeastern Philippines. In 2023, support included P365,000 worth of firefighting gear for Manolo Fortich barangays, P282,000 for flood rescue training in local high schools, and P18,533 in flood relief for Barangay Sayawan in the municipality Impasug-ong.
From the AboitizPower Transition Business Group (TBG), several new programs launched in 2025 to help strengthen local capacities. In Barangay Alas-asin, the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WISAR) project by GMEC/GNPD aims to increase the number of trained responders by 20%. This initiative provides hands-on rescue training and simulation drills, equipping participants with the essential tools they need.
Additionally, under GMEC/GNPD, the TODAMAX Project supports 100 tricycle drivers by offering defensive driving seminars, providing LED lights for their vehicles, and distributing materials promoting road safety and proper vehicle registration. Drivers also receive food packages and fuel vouchers to help sustain daily operations. The name TODAMAX comes from combining the Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association (TODA) and MAX, which signifies maximizing their capacity and potential.
In Barangay Inawayan, Therma South, Inc. (TSI) is implementing two projects. The first introduces six specialized rescue training courses covering water, mountain, high-angle, and fire emergencies. The second provides a much-needed emergency response vehicle to help overcome Inawayan’s distance from hospitals and emergency facilities.
In Maco, Davao de Oro, Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) continues its Community Disaster Resilience Enhancement program into its fourth year. After equipping 15 barangays and donating a rescue boat to BFP-Maco in 2024, five more barangays will receive equipment in 2025. The PDRRMO will also benefit from this year’s expansion. A separate program, Tactical Support to Public Safety Personnel, will turn over requested equipment in September, continuing the support that was previously provided in the form of motorcycles and a rubber boat to local responders.
Meanwhile, TMI is also delivering vital emergency tools, including chainsaws, megaphones, and solar floodlights, to three high-risk barangays in Nasipit in Agusan del Norte. At the same time, Therma Mobile Inc. (TMO) will carry out a community-based disaster preparedness session in Navotas City, followed by the distribution of disaster kits to residents.
These efforts demonstrate how AboitizPower continues to support Filipino communities in preparing for the unexpected, equipping them with resources, training, and tools to face future hazards with greater strength and preparedness.
