Local engineer participates in hometown development

Utilizing the excellent work force of its host community, Hedcor Sabangan, proponent of the ongoing 14MW Sabangan hydropower project hires local professionals and skilled workers to participate in the making of the community’s first run-off-river hydropower plant.

Rowena Lipawen, 32, is one of the many local professionals landing a post in Hedcor. Being one of the first hires from Sabangan, Lipawen closely works with the development of the project as the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Engineer.

Her roots is in Camatagan, Sabangan a nearby barangay from the construction site in Barangays Napua and Namatec.  Lipawen is turning three in Hedcor.

One of the benefits the project creates for the community is the work opportunity for the locals. Hedcor currently employed 35 local professional and skilled workers while Sta. Clara, the main contractor of the project employs about a hundred.

In all the plants of Hedcor in Benguet, Ilocos Sur and Davao, local employees were sourced to operate the plant. From waterguards manning the intake to the operators of the plant, locals filled-up the positions. At present the company has a total of 450 employees.

With its expertise in developing and operating hydropower systems molded over 35 years of experience, Hedcor offers professional and personal growth to individuals who share the passion for better ways. The company takes pride of its people who are driven to lead, driven to excel and driven to serve in the industry and the communities.

“It’s a fulfilling job since I am working at my hometown’s hydropower project. At the same time I like how it challenges me professionally,” Lipawen explains when asked about how she views her present designation.

The Sabangan Hydro Project is already 50% finished. The five kilometer road opening is nearing its closing date which is set on July. The road will be turned-over to the Barangay and the Municipality to be used as a farm-to-market road. The road is one of the benefits of the company to the host community.

“My first experience with the Sabangan project is the hike going to the weir site, it was a seven-hour long walk, but look at it now it’s just 45 minutes away from the national road,” Lipawen laments.

Eight months before the scheduled completion of the hydropower project, the community is already benefiting from the project. Several activities were already implemented such as health care services and education programs. These programs are part of the company’s corporate social responsibility dedicated on education, livelihood, health and environment. These are apart from the government mandated benefits the host community will receive.

Hedcor Sabangan recently conducted Brigada Eskwela at host schools in support to the class opening. The team is also distributed school supplies to 400 pupils of Namatec Elementary School, Namatec National High School and three Napua Primary School.

As soon as the project becomes operational, the community will be experiencing the full-blown array of benefits for having Hedcor as their partner of choice.