Sabangan Hydro on its first 100 days of operation

To date, the Sabangan hydro has generated a total of 15 million kWh to the Luzon Grid.

“With the regular monitoring of our electro-mechanical components, this ensures continuous operation and 100% plant availability to meet the demands of our customers,” shares Sabangan plant manager Berny Zamoranos.

As host to the power plant facility, the province will benefit from taxes, shares and royalties from the generation. Alongside this, Hedcor has been supportive to the needs of the host communities in terms of education, environment and enterprise development.

Last June, the company signed in two new scholars from Sabangan. Berlyn Jane Kigi-i and Mayrelle Licayo of Barangay Namatec are now part of the growing list of Hedcor scholars across the country. Hedcor allotted an amount of 120, 000.

00 for its Sabangan scholars this year to fund the college education of these deserving students including full payment of tuition, monthly allowance and book fees.

 Sabangan team members also participated in the Brigada Eskwela and school supply distributions in the locality during the school opening this year.

From the time of its construction to operation, Hedcor Sabangan planted a total of 101,752 trees in the municipality and nearby towns. This was made possible in partnership with the host barangays, local government units and other organizations in the area. In support to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Adopt-a-River project, Hedcor adopts the Chico River for river clean-up activities.

 The clean-up is being conducted to impart environmental awareness to stakeholders regarding the importance of keeping water bodies clean. In addition, it is an activity which involves the participation of team members from Hedcor as well as community residents.

The opening of the 9.

5 kilometers access road to the powerhouse and weir area serves as a farm-to-market road for the community. The road opening also encourages eco-tourism as it is now attracting visitors in the area.

Sabangan Hydro has been endorsed by the Department of Energy to the Energy Regulatory Commission eligible for the feed-in-tariff (FIT) system together with other renewable energy projects. The feed-in-tariff system is one of the incentives given to renewable energy players which entitle them a guaranteed rate for 20 years. Hedcor’s Irisan Hydro 1 in Tuba, Benguet and Tudaya 2 in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur plants are also qualified for FIT.

It was on May 6 when Hedcor inaugurated its Sabangan hydro power plant, its first venture of run-of-river hydropower system in the province. Harnessing the Chico River, the Sabangan hydro is expected to generate a total of 14 megawatt of renewable energy annually.