Hedcor’s Manolo Fortich hydro project starts its full swing of construction 

June 19, 2015

The construction of the 68.8 MW Manolo Fortich Hydroelectric Power Plant project of Hedcor in Bukidnon is well underway after the groundbreaking ceremony last week, April 22. The P12.5 billion project is designed to have two cascading plants, the 43.4 MW Manolo Fortich Hydro 1 and the 25.4 MW Manolo Fortich Hydro 2.

Groundbreaking ceremony started off with the IP’s traditional rituals to appease the spirits and gain favor from the gods, signing of commitments between Hedcor and the local communities as well as the symbolic first shoveling of soil. Another highlight of the event was the burying of a time capsule full of the hopes and dreams of the Higaonon children.  The event was led by Hedcor and was participated in by the local government and the communities of Bukidnon.

Hedcor’s president and COO Rene Ronquillo said, “Our operating principle circle on the 3Ps, which stands for People, Planet and Profit. We have to take care of the people and the planet. The profit comes afterwards. We believe that we can do well by doing good.

Ronquillo added, “We are committed to take care of the environment during and after the construction, and during the operation of the plant.”

The hydro project will soon open an access road that can be utilized by the community to transport their local produce. Farmers can also tap the water from the weir site to irrigate their farms.

The communities in and around Manolo Fortich also stand to benefit from employment opportunities brought about by the construction and operation of the Manolo Fortich hydros. Qualified locals will be hired and trained to operate and maintain the plants.

Higaonon tribal leader Datu Honorio Sumohoy said, “Gidawat namo ang Hedcor isip among pamilya sa komunidad. Wala namo sila gi isip nga investor lang. Sila ra ang nakahatag kanamo og pangunang proyekto bisan wala pa nakasugod sa ilang proyekto. Nakadawat nami sa ila og medical missions, nahatagan nami nila og water system, napangisi na nila ang mga bata sa ilang school supplies donations ug Christmas gifts ug daghan pa silang nahatag na kanamo nga tabang arun sa among padayon nga pag asinso”.

As host to the power plants, Bukidnon will benefit from the taxes and generation shares from the hydropower plant. Aside from these, Hedcor conducts corporate social responsibility programs which center on the education, health, livelihood and environmental needs of the host.Harnessing the Tanaon, Amusig and Guihean rivers, the Manolo Fortich Hydropower Project will generate a total of 360 GWh of reliable and renewable energy to the Mindanao region. A subsidiary of AboitizPower, Hedcor develops and operates efficient run-of- river hydropower systems.