Bakun elders press talks to settle shutdown of Hedcor power plants

BAKUN, Benguet -- Tribal elders are pushing for a 'win-win' resolution over operation of Hedcor’s three mini-hydro power plants recently shut down by a cease-and-desist order issued by the Cordillera office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Cordillera Administrative Region (NCIP-CAR).
    The ongoing conflict over the matter between the municipal government, the Bakun Indigenous Tribes Organization (BITO) and Hedcor Inc.had affected the country’s power supply.
    "We are hoping for a win-win resolution kasi kawawa din kaming mga landowners na may inaasahang additional income from Hedcor's land lease payment kung paalisin ng lokal na gobyerno namin ang Hedcor," said elder Amos Bita-a, 73, founding member of BITO.
    This, following alleged refusal of other BITO members to talks with Hedcor for the operation of the power plants.
Earlier, landowners, concerned residents and employees of the company raised concern on BITO's rejection to customary 'tongtongan' (talks) to settle the matter.
    Some said they were not included in earlier consultations as legitimate members of the organization.

Other landowners expressed hope the conflict between the municipal government, BITO and Hedcor will be resolved the soonest for the greater interest of the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the locality.

Over the years, Hedcor has been renting some six hectares of land from around 100 landowners.

The power firm infuses around P3 million to the domestic economy of the municipality as direct income to landowners on whose properties stand the three power plant facilities of Hedcor.