Aboitiz unit to complete Sabangan hydro by 2015

MANILA, Philippines - Hedcor Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., is targeting to complete its 14-megawatt Sabangan hydropower project in 2015, the company said.

Hedcor said it would soon start the construction of the plant after breaking ground last June 18.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Hedcor president and chief operating officer Rene Ronquillo said they are committed to stay in the community.

“We are here to stay and grow with the community. Hedcor is committed not only in maintaining its leadership in the field of run-of-river hydropower, but also to improving the lives of the residents of our host communities,” he said.

He said the company is also on track with its expansion projects that include the Tudaya hydroelectric facility in Davao del Sur.

Ronquillo said the company also has small hydropower projects in Bukidnon, Negros and other parts of the Cordilleras.

The company started operating in 1978 the Lower Talomo hydropower plants in Davao, then owned by the National Power Corp. (Napocor), the state-owned power firm.

In 1985, Hedcor assumed operation and maintenance of the Asin hydropower plants owned by the city of Baguio.

Its first company-built hydropower plant was put up in Benguet in 1988.

To date, the company has a portfolio of 19 power plants with a combined capacity of 155 MW.