BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
RAMON, Isabela (May 1)—A clean-up drive undertaken with a tree-planting surrounding their hydroelectric power plants in Isabela and Benguet were among the SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) group activities in celebrating Earth Day 2021 with the theme “Restore Our Earth.”
A renewable energy solutions provider, SNAP owns and operates the 105-megawatt (MW) Ambuklao (Bokod) and 140-MW Binga (Itogon) hydroelectric power plants in Benguet, the 388-MW Magat hydroelectric power plant on the border of Isabela and Ifugao, and the 8.5-MW Maris hydroelectric power plant in Isabela.
Last April 22, a total of only 49 volunteers, mostly on lockdown duty, contractors and local workers of Magat, Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plant facilities participated.
Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) also took part in the clean-up drive in Benguet. Safety protocols were strictly observed throughout the activity.
SNAP said around 250 kilograms of mixed wastes were collected at the Magat crest in Isabela; along the Agno River Estero below the Binga powerhouse in Benguet; and other areas surrounding SNAP facilities.
The SNAP-Magat volunteers capped the day with tree-planting and gardening activities as a commemoration of Earth Day 2021. Last March 27, SNAP Group likewise switched off nonessential lights for one hour in observance of Earth Hour.
Mike Hosillos, SNAP chief corporate services officer, said the annual activities are observed consistently to signify SNAP’s support for better environmental practices as part of its overall environmental sustainability program.
“Not despite the pandemic, but precisely because of the pandemic, we continue to do as much as we can to promote not only environment-supportive practices but also develop long-term sustainability projects with our host communities,” Hosillos said.
SNAP is a joint venture of Scatec Solar and Aboitiz Power Corp. (AP). Scatec is a Norway-based leading renewable power producer that delivers affordable and clean energy worldwide.
As a long-term player, Scatec develops, builds, owns and operates solar, wind and hydropower plants and storage solutions while AP is the holding company of the Philippines-based Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution and retail electricity services.
It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.