SNAP reaffirms social purpose in host communities

Participants from local government units and indigenous people’s organizations from the province of Benguet together with SNAP leaders pose for a solidarity photo during the Host Communities’ Forum at Baguio City.

Hydro company SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) reaffirmed its social purpose to power positive change in host communities during its annual forum held on 30 October 2019 at Baguio City.

SNAP-Benguet president and chief executive officer (CEO) Joseph Yu vowed to continue “powering positive change” through its corporate social responsibility program and since 2008, the company has supported 375 community-initiated infrastructure, education, livelihood, indigenous culture, governance, health and environment projects worth around P143 million.

Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas headed the 88-member contingent from local government units and indigenous people’s organizations hosting the 105-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plants in Bokod and Itogon, respectively.

“I am thankful for this forum organized by SNAP as a way for us to learn more and further strengthen our partnership,” said Diclas, who attended his first forum as newly elected governor of the province.

Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas and SNAP president and CEO Joseph S. Yu during the 2019 Host Communities’ Forum in Benguet at Baguio City.

The forum was also an opportunity to recognize stakeholders who have participated actively in the CSR program.

The Shakilan Ni Ikulos–Indigenous Peoples Organization was cited for its high level of engagement in all SNAP CSR activities, while the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization was given special recognition for its role in implementing various watershed management and environmental activities in 2019.

The Province of Benguet’s proposed eco-farm and agricultural innovation center project, which promotes sustainable and responsible agriculture through integrated diversified farming system, was cited for its conformance to CSR 2.0 principles.

The forum featured a discussion on disaster-responsiveness and community resilience from Aboitiz Foundation Senior Project Officer Welfredo Dalumpines.

The host communities’ forum is an annual event held by SNAP to update its community-based stakeholders on the company’s operations and initiatives and facilitate their participation in improving its CSR program.