Safety, Health, and Environment

AboitizPower units up safety preparations for Fire Prevention Month

March 28, 2025

Several business units of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), together with partners from the public and civil society sectors, observed Fire Prevention Month through upskilling activities and awareness campaigns on fire safety and proper response.

Such efforts are important to AboitizPower since electrical and fire safety are closely linked. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), over a fourth of fire incidents in the first two months of 2025 were due to electrical issues, leading all types of causes. This was despite the number of fire incidents associated with electrical issues decreasing by 47% compared to the same period last year.

Hedcor helps strengthen fire safety in Bukidnon

In Bukidnon’s remote barangays, fire emergencies pose a constant and dangerous threat, exacerbated by the difficult terrain, limited access to emergency services, and the lack of proper firefighting tools. A fire outbreak could mean devastating losses with no immediate help in sight.

Recognizing that the first minutes of a fire emergency are critical, Hedcor, an AboitizPower renewable asset manager, together with the Aboitiz Foundation and BFP Region 10, launched a firefighting training program in Barangays Santiago and Maluko, where emergency services are difficult to access.

The training program prepared barangay police officers and local volunteers to become first responders, equipping them with the skills needed to control fires, protect lives, and minimize damage before professional firefighters arrive. Hedcor also donated critical firefighting gear, including helmets, gloves, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.

By ensuring that local community leaders and volunteers are ready to act immediately and respond effectively when needed, the program directly benefits nearly 8,000 residents. The same residents are also the receivers of fire safety awareness campaigns on prevention measures, evacuation procedures, and emergency preparedness.

“Through initiatives like the firefighting training program and fire safety awareness campaigns, we aim to equip communities with the knowledge and resources they need to respond effectively to emergencies. We are proud to work with the BFP and Aboitiz Foundation to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience,” said Hedcor President and COO Rolando Pacquiao.

Hedcor operates run-of-river hydropower systems, with facilities in Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Benguet, Davao, and Bukidnon. It recently added solar power to its portfolio of managed renewable energy assets.

Davao Light upholds safety and preparedness

Davao Light and Power Company also held a five-day fire brigade training and a separate fire brigade simulation exercise for 48 team members, which aimed to strengthen emergency preparedness and fire incident management.

BFP Region 11 conducted the activities, which included learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support; rescue and transport; and basic fire fighting. Beyond preparing participants to respond effectively, it also paved the way for improved coordination and strategy.

Upon completion, the 48 team members — hailing from Davao Light’s administrative and engineering teams — were considered volunteer firefighters of Davao City.

Meanwhile, in a separate event, the AboitizPower distribution utility recognized 22 contracted service partners for upholding the highest safety and service excellence standards.

These partner companies supplement vital services like emergency outage response; safety audits and line hazard surveys; maintenance works for substations, power lines, street lights, fiber optic cables, and meters; and the construction of lines and digital substations. They also help in crucial projects such as underground cabling.

“Our partners are key in Davao Light’s mission of delivering safe and reliable electric service to our customers. Through the event, we honor and celebrate them for excelling in service delivery and safety practices,” said Davao Light President and COO Enriczar Tia.

“While indispensable, electricity demands proper handling as its misuse can lead to harm. We intensify our efforts toward a safe workplace for our personnel and contractors. We want everyone to go home to their families safe and sound,” he added.

Davao Light is the Philippines’ third-largest electric distribution utility, serving the cities of Davao and Panabo, plus the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas.

Therma South wins back-to-back Fire Olympics in Davao City

The Fire Brigade Team of Therma South, Inc. (TSI), a thermal subsidiary of AboitizPower, won the industrial category championship for the second consecutive year at the Davao City Fire District Fire Olympics 2025, spearheaded by the local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Team members John Michael Martinez and Kylle Arjo Angeles were also named the Strongest Man and Strongest Woman, respectively, within the same category.

TSI’s accomplishments reflect the individuals’ and Fire Brigade Team’s rigorous training, dedication, and collaborative spirit for the sake of safety and emergency preparedness. TSI participates in these activities to share knowledge and best practices, benchmark their capabilities, and strengthen their appreciation of their role as emergency responders.

The fire olympics showcase the firefighting and rescue capabilities of the competitors, which included the donning of personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus; connecting hoses and hitting targets with water; as well as doing water rescues and first aid.

TSI is a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant located between Davao City and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. It uses the latest Circulating Fluidized Bed technology that recirculates combustion for even greater power generation efficiency. Its facility also houses the Philippines’ first-ever Coal Dome, a structure that safely stores coal deposits and prevents dust pollution caused by its combustion.