Hedcor Group

Lighting up lives: How Hedcor is powering indigenous communities in Davao del Sur

March 13, 2025

For many, electricity is an essential part of daily life—powering homes, education, and livelihoods. Yet, in the remote indigenous communities of Davao del Sur, thousands of families live without it, relying on dim kerosene lamps to get through the night.

Electrification in Davao del Sur remains a challenge due to its geography and limited infrastructure. Many areas, particularly in the highlands, continue to wait for reliable power connections, making everyday life more difficult for thousands of families.

Archemae Andal, a proud Bagobo Tagabawa mother, has long known the hardships of raising a family without electricity. Every evening, her children struggle to finish their schoolwork under the weak flicker of kerosene lamps.

“Maguol ko sa akong mga anak kay dili sila makatoon og tarong sa ilang mga buluhaton. Ang suga mao untay makatabang nila (I worry for my children because they can't study their lessons properly. Having electricity would really help them),” she shares.

Estelita Torino, who grew up in the mountains of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, faced a similar reality. Every night, she had to rush through household chores before the sun set, knowing that once darkness fell, even the simplest tasks became a struggle.

The absence of light wasn’t just inconvenient—it was a daily challenge, a constant reminder of the difficulties they faced. “Maglisod gyud mi labi na og gabii. Ang among mga buhaton kinahanglan mahuman dayon kay kung maabtan og kangitngit, lisod na kaayo (We really struggle, especially at night. We have to finish everything quickly because if darkness falls, it becomes very difficult),” she shares.

Bringing Light to More Homes

Recognizing the urgency of this need, Hedcor has strengthened its efforts to expand electricity access, allocating ₱2 million to power nearly 300 additional households in Davao del Sur. This initiative supports the government’s goal of providing affordable and reliable electricity to all Filipinos, particularly in underserved areas.

Since 2012, Hedcor, in collaboration with the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO), has been working to bring electricity to remote communities across the province. To date, 6,880 families—including those in Hedcor’s AboitizPowered communities in Santa Cruz and 14 other districts—have benefited from these efforts.

One of the most challenging areas served is Balut Island, a remote community that has long faced barriers to accessing basic utilities. The electrification of such areas is not just a milestone; it’s a lifeline for families who have lived in darkness for generations.

Powering Opportunities, Empowering Lives

For families like Archemae’s and Estelita’s, electricity has been nothing short of transformative. Children can now study with proper lighting, households can function more efficiently, and communities feel safer at night. The simple act of turning on a light switch has unlocked opportunities they never had before.

Hedcor President and COO Rolando G. Pacquiao emphasizes that this initiative goes beyond providing electricity—it's about empowering communities and paving the way for progress.

"At Hedcor, we believe that access to power means access to opportunities, education, and a better future. As we continue to light up homes, we also light the path toward growth and transformation for Davao del Sur," he says.

With each newly electrified home, the promise of a brighter, more hopeful future becomes a reality. The journey from darkness to light is not just about infrastructure—it’s about empowering people, fostering growth, and illuminating new possibilities for generations to come.