Aboitiz unit inks deal with agribusiness firm
09/03/2008 | 04:32 AM
DAVAO CITY, Philippines Aboitiz unit Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. has signed a P1.4-million deal with a local agribusiness company to protect the slopes leading to its 42.5-megawatt hydroelectric power project in the village of Darong in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
Under the deal, Pontmain Resources, Inc. will provide indigenous coconut materials to stabilize about a hectare of slope leading to the plant, Hedcor Sibulan said in statement. The coconut mats will also promote the growth of trees and vegetation in the area.
"This project is a strong indicator that Hedcor is really serious in maintaining the ecological stability and balance in the project area," Pontmain engineer Apolinar Gaite said. Pontmain is engaged in the coconut husk processing business.
The contract is part of the first installment of the watershed management plan, in which Hedcor committed to protect 1,000 hectares within the Mt. Apo Natural Park. The plan involves reforestation, agro-forestry and erosion control.
Hedcor Vice-President Gregorio Jabonillo said the company is bound to protect the watersheds, not just for its hydro plants but also for the communities.
Construction of the two Hedcor plants in Sibulan started in June last year and the project is expected to be completed in August next year.
The P5-billion project requires the construction of big dams. Water from two rivers will be diverted to three locations.
The water will then flow through a system of welded steel pipes, which will then drop to the powerhouses through high-pressure penstocks.
Hedcor shelved its seven-megawatt hydropower plant in the village of Suawan, Marilog district last month due to rising construction costs and delays in the approval of water and environmental permits. Joel B. Escovilla, BusinessWorld
Under the deal, Pontmain Resources, Inc. will provide indigenous coconut materials to stabilize about a hectare of slope leading to the plant, Hedcor Sibulan said in statement. The coconut mats will also promote the growth of trees and vegetation in the area.
"This project is a strong indicator that Hedcor is really serious in maintaining the ecological stability and balance in the project area," Pontmain engineer Apolinar Gaite said. Pontmain is engaged in the coconut husk processing business.
The contract is part of the first installment of the watershed management plan, in which Hedcor committed to protect 1,000 hectares within the Mt. Apo Natural Park. The plan involves reforestation, agro-forestry and erosion control.
Hedcor Vice-President Gregorio Jabonillo said the company is bound to protect the watersheds, not just for its hydro plants but also for the communities.
Construction of the two Hedcor plants in Sibulan started in June last year and the project is expected to be completed in August next year.
The P5-billion project requires the construction of big dams. Water from two rivers will be diverted to three locations.
The water will then flow through a system of welded steel pipes, which will then drop to the powerhouses through high-pressure penstocks.
Hedcor shelved its seven-megawatt hydropower plant in the village of Suawan, Marilog district last month due to rising construction costs and delays in the approval of water and environmental permits. Joel B. Escovilla, BusinessWorld
