Hedcor, Luzon Hydro help ‘Egay’-hit towns

RELIEF ASSISTANCE -- Hedcor Group’s External Relations manager for Luzon Geraldine Ronquillo (center) heads distribution of rice to Ilocos Sur. Here, Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Officer Rhon Arquelada (right) accepts relief goods, 

By Estefany Tawagon

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) subsidiaries Hedcor and Luzon Hydro Corporation (Luzon Hydro), together with Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Aboitiz Foundation), brought timely relief to its host communities hit by Typhoon Egay. 
    In Ilocos Sur, Luzon Hydro distributed 150 sacks of 50-kilos rice, benefitting 750 families.
Hedcor Inc. also gave over 1,700 liters of fuel to the municipalities of  La Trinidad, Tuba, Sablan, Itogon, and Bakun in Benguet, while Hedcor Sabangan aided municipalities of Bauko and Sabangan with 780 liters of fuel.
    These were intended for heavy equipment vehicles and chainsaws that will help clear debris on affected roads — hence ensuring faster mobilization of relief goods — and for generators on sitios without electricity. 
    “Hedcor is positive that, as one, we can rebuild our communities. Our bayanihan spirit furthers our cause to help each other during this period of recovery,” said Hedcor president and COO Rolando Pacquiao.
    “We join hands with the local government to provide essential aid and relief. We stand in solidarity with our kababayans.”

Hedcor earlier helped strengthen the disaster preparedness and risk management capabilities of said provinces by providing opportunities for training and donating needed equipment for first aid.

Through this, community-based disaster risk reduction and management offices were established in their respective localities, upscaling resiliency and prompt response of the authorities in times of emergencies.  

“Hedcor is driven by its strong sense of responsibility. By collaborating closely with the different host communities, we are better equipped to support each other,” Pacquiao added.

Earlier this month, Hedcor and fellow AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. also mobilized relief efforts to over 560 families in Sta, Cruz, Davao del Sur.

This was after the municipality was hit by flash floods due to isolated rain showers and thunderstorms. 

Hedcor continues to collaborate with local government agencies for the needed support in the recovery and rehabilitation of North Luzon after being hit by Typhoon Egay. 

Hedcor is the renewable energy subsidiary of AboitizPower.

It specializes in generating 278 MW of sustainable energy from its 22 run-of-river hydropower systems, and 58MWAc from its one solar farm.

With 45 years of experience, Hedcor operates 23 Cleanergy facilities located in Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, Benguet, Davao, Bukidnon and Negros Occidental.