Bukidnon villages and HEDCOR sign MOA for hydropower project
The Hydro Electric Development Corporation (HEDCOR) and barangay councils of Barangay Kipilas and Barangay Sinuda, in Kitaotao town, this province, recently signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the proposed run-of-river Sita-Simod Hydroelectric Power Project.
Engr. Gregorio Jabonillo, HEDCOR Vice President for Business Development, said the agreement cited HEDCOR’s operations expansion, to harness the water running from the Sita and Simod Rivers in Kitaotao town with a total capacity of 28.2 megawatts, which would somehow help to address power shortage in Mindanao.
“As stipulated in the agreement, qualified residents in the community will be given priority for employment and training opportunities during the stages of construction and operations. Consequently, the workforce will be sourced out from the members of the host community to participate in the operation and maintenance of the proposed plants,” Jabonillo said.
HEDCOR Bukidnon, Inc. will also provide direct taxes and license fees to the local government of Bukidnon for better opportunities to finance other developmental projects.
“Our existing host communities of the 42.5-megawatts Sibulan Hydropower Plant in Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur, can attest how HEDCOR is sincere with its promise,” Jabonillo further said.
In his message, Datu Roelito Gawilan of Barangay Sinuda said that the project is not only for Hedcor, but for everybody.
“The Manobo-Matigsalug tribes are in need of development, that’s why we welcome HEDCOR. The signing of this agreement is a sign of strengthened relationship with one goal to pursue this project,” Gawilan added.
“At last, we have signed the MOA and we look forward to the completion of the project. I am hopeful that this project can help in the development and progress of the village,” Merlinda Gador, a leader of Barangay Kipilas said.
With the leadership of Datu Roelito Gawilan of Barangay Sinuda and Merlinda Gador of Kipilas, the clearance to proceed to the next phase is ideally given to HEDCOR after the signing.
HEDCOR is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation and is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower plants in the country with 19 hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Davao. (press release from – LR, HEDCOR Bukidnon, Inc/PIA Bukidnon)
1 thoughts on “Bukidnon villages and HEDCOR sign MOA for hydropower project”