MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (PIA)–The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI named Hedcor as Champion for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) for its outstanding support to IP communities.
For generations, these communities have lived in harmony with their surroundings, nurturing the forests, rivers, and landscapes that sustain their way of life and are vital to the entire ecosystem. They have been the stewards of nature long before the world fully understood the importance of environmental conservation.
For Hedcor, the renewable energy asset manager of AboitizPower, this connection between IP communities and the environment is more than just remarkable—it is essential. Hedcor relies on healthy forests and rivers to power its run-of-river hydro operations. Preserving these natural resources is crucial to maintaining the flow of clean, renewable energy. And no one understands this better than the Indigenous Peoples who have cared for these lands for centuries.
A Partnership Rooted in Respect for Nature
Hedcor’s reliance on the environment has fostered a deep respect for the IP communities that play a key role in its preservation. The company recognizes that the well-being of these lands is directly tied to the welfare of their inhabitants. This understanding builds a meaningful partnership where Hedcor benefits from the environmental stewardship of IPs and actively uplifts their lives through community development projects.
Noreen Vicencio, Hedcor’s Vice President for Corporate Services, underscores the importance of this partnership.
“Championing IPs is not just a matter of corporate social responsibility—it is about creating a shared future where the environment and communities that protect it can thrive,” she said.
One of the primary drivers of development in IP communities is the rightful allocation of royalty shares. The NCIP ensures proper consultation, release, and monitoring of royalty shares, following the 2012 guidelines on Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC). Its guidance to IP communities in formulating Community Royalty Development Plans and implementing Hedcor’s commitments ensures the growth and sustainability of ancestral domains while uplifting IPs’ lives.
Empowering Communities Through Livelihood and Education
In Bukidnon, this partnership has taken the form of livelihood assistance, with Hedcor and the Aboitiz Foundation investing P500,000 to support five IP associations. The projects focus on agriculture, poultry farming, and abaca production, equipping communities with the tools and skills necessary to build a sustainable future. By prioritizing food security and economic opportunities, Hedcor is helping IP families establish long-term stability while ensuring their role as land stewards.
Education is another cornerstone of this collaboration. Since 2010, Hedcor has supported 57 scholars from Indigenous communities, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education. These scholars gain knowledge that empowers them as individuals, allowing them to return and inspire their communities by breaking barriers. Education becomes a tool for the entire community’s growth.
Investing in Environment, Investing in the Future
Hedcor’s commitment to Indigenous Peoples extends beyond livelihoods and education — it’s about investing in the environment’s future.
Since 2015, Hedcor has turned over more than P30 million in royalty shares to Benguet and Mountain Province IP communities. These funds support projects that restore native forests and improve local infrastructure—critical steps to keep the environment healthy and resilient against the growing challenges of climate change.
The IPs’ traditional knowledge, combined with modern sustainable practices supported by Hedcor, makes a powerful force for environmental conservation. In Sabangan, Mountain Province, for example, the community has focused on replanting native trees such as Benguet Pine and Philippine Oak to enhance water retention in local watersheds. Such initiatives not only protect the environment but also secure the future of hydropower generation, which relies on a steady and clean water supply.
Building a Future Together
In Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Hedcor has allocated over P45 million to support the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribes. The funds have been used to enhance education, healthcare, and cultural preservation—ensuring that these communities can maintain their rich heritage while adapting to modern challenges. By supporting these efforts, Hedcor ensures that the partnership with IP communities remains strong and focused on mutual respect and long-term sustainability.
Vicencio said Hedcor honors the resilience and rich heritage of Indigenous Peoples by empowering them through education and sustainable livelihoods.
“We uplift their lives and enrich our society. Their voices matter. Together, we can build a future that respects and celebrates their contributions,” she said.
Championing for IPs and the Environment
Hedcor’s support for IP communities has not gone unnoticed. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI recently recognized Hedcor as a “Champion for Indigenous Peoples” for its ongoing efforts to uplift these communities while honoring their cultural heritage. As NCIP Region XI Director Atty. Geroncio Aguio said, “Hedcor’s dedication uplifts the lives of Indigenous Peoples while honoring their cultural heritage. Their actions set a high standard for corporate responsibility.”
This recognition reflects the heart of Hedcor’s mission. By supporting Indigenous Peoples, Hedcor gives back to the communities that protect the environment and ensures that the forests, rivers, and watersheds essential to both the IPs and its renewable energy operations continue to thrive. (KM/Hedcor/PIA 10/Bukidnon)
