WHY CHAMPIONING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IS IMPORTANT FOR HEDCOR

Indigenous Peoples Month of October

Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities have been the stewards of nature long before the world fully understood the importance of environmental conservation. For generations, these communities have lived harmoniously with their surroundings, nurturing the forests, rivers, and landscapes that not only sustain their way of life but are critical to the well-being of the entire ecosystem.

For Hedcor, the renewable energy asset manager of AboitizPower, this connection between IP communities and the environment is more than just important—it is essential. As a company that harnesses the power of run-of-river hydro, Hedcor depends on the health of the forests and rivers that surround its operations. The preservation of 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 such a key role in its preservation. The company recognizes that the continued well-being of these lands is directly tied to the well-being of the people who inhabit them. This understanding forms the basis of a meaningful partnership—one in which Hedcor not only benefits from the environmental stewardship of IPs but also actively works to uplift their lives through community development projects.

For Hedcor, championing Indigenous Peoples is not just a matter of corporate social responsibility—it’s about creating a shared future where both the environment and the communities that protect it can thrive.

One of the key drivers of development in IP communities is the rightful allocation of royalty shares. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) plays a crucial role in facilitating proper consultation, release, and monitoring of these royalty shares, as outlined in the 2012 Guidelines on Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC). NCIP’s 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 the lives of Indigenous Peoples.

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 sustainable futures. By prioritizing food security and economic opportunities, Hedcor is helping IP families establish long-term stability while ensuring that they remain stewards of the land.

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 access higher education. These scholars not only gain knowledge that empowers them as individuals but also return to their communities to break barriers and inspire others. Education, in this sense, becomes a tool not just for personal growth but for the growth of the entire community.

 

PRESS RELEASE
October 30, 2024

Kenneth Mangaya-ay
Corporate Communications
Hedcor Group

kenneth.mangaya-ay@aboitiz.com

+63 916 399 5178