SNAP-BENGUET HOLDS ANNUAL COMMUNITY FORUM IN ITOGON

October 21, 2023 Community Billboard

Photo Caption: SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) strengthened its commitment to energizing a sustainable future during its annual host community forum (HCF) with the theme “Creating a Sustainable Energy Future: The Impact of Climate Change on Hydropower and Our Communities” on October 12, 2023 at barangay Tuding in Itogon, Benguet

In his keynote speech, SNAP Group President and CEO Joseph Yu discussed the impact of climate change on hydropower companies. He highlighted the company’s focus on providing sustainable
and equitable solutions that can reduce the effects of climate change and create a better future for communities. “We continue to leverage new technology such as improved weather and inflow
forecasting to optimize the operations of our hydropower plants. We are also developing other renewable energy (RE) sources such as solar, and REcomplementary technologies like battery energy storage systems,” Yu said.

Around 60 participants from local government units and indigenous people’s organizations (IPO) attended this year’s HCF. Itogon Sangguniang Bayan member and Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples
Organization (TINPO) chairperson Hon. Norberto Pacio thanked SNAP for its support to the community. “SNAP, through its various projects, has been instrumental in providing assistance to Itogon and IP groups. They provide educational scholarships, livelihood projects, and other
forms of assistance that benefit communities,” he said.

For the past 15 years, the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community investment initiatives have supported 480 projects valued at around PhP198 million. This includes
providing educational, health, and livelihood assistance, as well as investing in cultural and
heritage protection, infrastructure and environmental initiatives. In 2022, the company renewed its sustainability commitment by integrating it into core strategies. They also embarked on an avifauna
assessment along the Ambuklao-Binga watershed to support conservation efforts.

To date, the company has planted 201,115 seedlings over 165 hectares. These initiatives demonstrate the company’s dedication to renewable energy solutions and proactive measures to protect biodiversity. “Addressing the challenges of climate change go hand-in-hand with our
commitment to the progress of our communities; I look forward to working together with you to
create a sustainable energy future,” Yu said.