The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI named Hedcor as Champion for Indigenous Peoples for its outstanding support to IP communities.
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.
Investing in the Environment, Investing in the Future
Hedcor’s commitment to Indigenous Peoples extends beyond livelihoods and education — it’s about investing in the future of the environment. Since 2015, Hedcor has turned over more than P30 million in royalty shares to IP communities in Benguet and Mountain Province. These funds have been channeled into projects aimed at restoring native forests and improving local infrastructure—critical steps in ensuring that the environment remains healthy and resilient in the face of growing challenges like climate change.
The Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge, combined with modern sustainable practices supported by Hedcor, makes a powerful force for environmental conservation. In Sabangan, Mountain Province, for example, the community has focused on replanting native trees such as Benguet Pine and Philippine Oak to enhance water retention in local watersheds. Such initiatives not only protect the environment but also secure the future of hydropower generation, which relies on a steady and clean water supply.
Building a Future Together
In Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Hedcor has allocated over P45 million to support the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribes. The funds have been used to enhance education, healthcare, and cultural preservation—ensuring that these communities can maintain their rich heritage while adapting to modern challenges. By supporting these efforts, Hedcor ensures that the partnership with IP communities remains strong, focused on mutual respect and long-term sustainability.
Noreen Vicencio, Hedcor’s Vice President for Corporate Services, underscores the importance of this relationship: “We honor the resilience and rich heritage of Indigenous Peoples. By empowering them through education and sustainable livelihoods, we not only uplift their lives but also enrich our society as a whole. Their voices matter, and together, we can build a future that respects and celebrates their contributions.”
A Champion for Indigenous Peoples and the Environment
Hedcor’s support for IP communities has not gone unnoticed. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI recently recognized Hedcor as a “Champion for Indigenous Peoples” for its ongoing efforts to uplift these communities while honoring their cultural heritage. As NCIP Region XI Director Atty. Geroncio Aguio noted, “Hedcor’s dedication uplifts the lives of Indigenous Peoples while honoring their cultural heritage. Their actions set a high standard for corporate responsibility.”
This recognition reflects the heart of Hedcor’s mission. By supporting Indigenous Peoples, Hedcor is not only giving back to the communities that protect the environment but also ensuring that the forests, rivers, and watersheds—essential to both the IPs and Hedcor’s renewable energy operations—continue to thrive.
