NL coops get livelihood support from Hedcor

By Estefany Mae Tawagon

The leading run-of-river hydro firm, Hedcor, in partnership with Aboitiz Foundation (AFI) is providing host communities in Northern Luzon with sustainable livelihood by providing identified local cooperatives with capacity and skills training including needed resources. 
    As a kick-off, essential baking equipment and tools were first donated to Apang Food Processors Association, and a 4-day training in baking followed. 
    Apang which is housed in Alilem, Ilocos Sur was given tips and techniques on proper handling and preparation of ingredients and on baking process.
    They mastered bread production such as plain pan de sal and ube cheese pan de sal.
    This timely and essential program is aimed to boost local livelihood during this pandemic and aid partner communities recover through livelihood assistance.
    “We may start small, but we can make it sustainable,” said Lydia Martes, vice president of Apang.
Martes added they will take advantage of their new baking skills for more livelihood opportunities and become more resilient during this pandemic. 
    Hedcor and AFI donated baking ingredients to enable Apang to put into action the baking skills they have learned and for them to start generating income.  
    Since Hedcor is banking on local expertise, the training was headed by Noreen Sibayan, a local bakeshop owner and a certified TESDA baker.
    “I am happy and proud to be part of this training in paving the way for a tangible venue for Apang members to find a real opportunity to start earning once again,” she said.
    Hedcor and AFI also donated P100,000 worth of farming equipment to Lamut Multipurpose Cooperative benefitting 240 members in Ifugao.
    This is reportedly part of Hedcor’s active community involvement with the objective of providing resources to partner communities for more income opportunities,  
    Hedcor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower. It specializes in generating renewable energy from run-of-river hydropower systems.
    Today, Hedcor manages and operates 22 hydropower plants located in Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, Benguet, Davao, and Bukidnon.
    They continue to supply the country with 278 MW of clean and renewable energy.
With 42 years of experience, Hedcor is one of the leading run-of-river hydropower operators in the Philippines.