Renewable energy provider SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) enters into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in support of integrated watershed management in four municipalities in the Ifugao Province, namely, Banaue, Hingyon, Mayoyao, and Lagawe. Through the Partnerships in Uplifting Upland Natural Resources, Livelihoods and Assets (PUNLA) Program, SNAP-Magat is set to support watershed management projects in these municipalities toward the protection and restoration of the Upper Magat Watershed.

SNAP-Magat will extend financial assistance to projects that focus on the recommendations of the Upper Magat Watershed Management Study, and are harmonized with local resource management plans, one of which is the Ifugao Rice Terraces Master Plan (IRTMP).

PUNLA prioritizes watershed management programs such as enrichment planting activities. This entails diversifying the types of trees in the target area based on endemic species identified for that locality. Other priorities include rice terraces repair and restoration programs such as stonewalling and improving the productivity of abandoned rice terraces. Similarly, livelihood and enterprise development projects will also be considered for funding through PUNLA.

“SNAP-Magat is committed to doing our part for environmental sustainability, but we know that we cannot do it alone,” said SNAP Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer, Atty. Mike Hosillos. “Through initiatives like PUNLA, we want to plant the seeds that will enable not just SNAP, but also our partner communities, to reap the benefits of well-managed watersheds in the future.”

SNAP-Magat owns and operates the 360- to 380-MW Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant, one of the largest hydro facilities in Luzon. It is a joint venture between SN Power of Norway and AboitizPower and is part of SNAP Group, a leading provider and developer of renewable energy in the Philippines.

IN PHOTO: SNAP-Magat President and CEO Joseph Yu (front row, center) leads the MOA signing for the Partnerships in Uplifting Upland Natural Resources, Livelihoods and Assets Program with (L-R) Lagawe OIC Vice Mayor Vilma Alcayna, Mayoyao Vice Mayor Jimmy B. Padchanan, Jr., Hingyon Mayor Geraldo D. Luglug, and Banaue Mayor Jerry U. Dalipog in a ceremony held last November 20 in Santiago, Isabela.