The renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Aboitiz Renewables, is helping indigenous peoples' communities in the Philippines grow their floriculture enterprises through the turnover of more than ₱600,000.00 royalty shares from its hydropower plants in Benguet.
The Tagadi Aguyao Indigenous People Organization (TAIPO) in Tuba and the Pahnga ni Sabdang Indigenous Peoples Organization (PASIPO) in Sablan are expanding their flower farms and improving production facilities to scale up anthurium farming—an industry that remains a key part of Benguet's local economy.
Broken down, ₱169,664.18 was remitted to TAIPO from the 3.8-MW Risan 1 Hydropower Plant, while ₱510,000 was given to PASIPO from the 8-MW Ampohaw Hydropower Plant. The royalty shares are seen to benefit more than 50 anthurium farmers.
"We share the harvest so everyone benefits, and with this expansion, we hope to pass this practice on to future generations," said TAIPO President Anita Madarang.
"The royalty share from Aboitiz Renewables helped us invest more strategically in floriculture," said PASIPO President Lilian Balangue, noting planned investments in better planting materials and greenhouses. "We're now reaching more buyers and contributing to Benguet's role as a major flower supplier."
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