Hydro firm funds Tuba infrastructure projects

TUBA, Benguet -- In support to the development of Tuba municipality, Hedcor recently awarded a two million pesos cheque out of the partnership of the town with Hedcor being host to Irisan 1 and Irisan 3 run-of-river hydropower plants.

Mayor Florencio Bentrez with other town officials received the financial support in behalf of the municipality on May 12 at the Tuba Municipal Hall.

The amount is a partial disbursement of the six million pesos worth of infrastructure projects. The remaining fund to be awarded as soon as the municipality is ready to implement the identified projects.

The premier project will be on road improvements of Aguyad – Lebbeng and Sipitan-Hydro Road in Barangay Tadiangan. The project involves road widening, riprapping and repair of existing bridge.

Following projects will be on the construction of water system at Barangay Badiwan. The project involves erection of a pump house and two impounding tanks which will be accomplished in cooperation with the National Irrigation Authority.

To help in the maintenance of Peace and order in the community, motorcycles which will be used by the Tuba Police station will be provided. Completion of a classroom at Gilbert Semon Elementary school also in Tadiangan is included in the budget.

Tuba had been a partner with Hedcor since 1991 with the erection of Irisan 3 hydropower plant. Residing in Barangay Tadiangan, Irisan 3 hydro plant produces 1.2MW of clean and renewable energy.

Two decades after, Hedcor built the 3.8MW Irisan 1 hydropower plant also in Tadiangan. The generated energy of both plants are exported to the Luzon Grid providing a about 15 million kilowatt-hours of energy to the consumers annually.

Aside from the financial assistance, Hedcor also conducts corporate social responsibility programs in education, livelihood, health and environment. Recently, Hedcor conducted a vermi-culturing seminar to the residents to help them manage wastes and help them in their farming activities.

A medical mission will be held on the 26 of May to provide health care services to the host barangay.

Presently, Hedcor operates 21 run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet, Davao and Ilocos Sur generating 170 of ‘Cleanergy’, the company’s brand of energy.

The first venture of Hedcor in the Mt. Province, the 14MW Sabangan Hydro is ongoing construction and is expected to be finished early next year.