On its 11th year, renewable energy company SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Inc. (SNAP-Magat) reaffirmed its purpose to power positive change. SNAP-Magat hosted the annual host community forum which gathered close to 200 participants from host local government units and indigenous peoples’ organizations from Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya last week.

Ifugao Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano; Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya Mayor Sandy Gayaton; Ramon, Isabela Vice Mayor Nestor Banhan; sectoral representatives, and members of Indigenous People’s organizations attended the forum. The Isabela-Vizcaya leg was held on November 19 while the Ifugao leg was held on November 20 both at Santiago City, Isabela.

SNAP-Magat President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joseph Yu reiterated the company’s promise to continue “powering positive change” through its corporate social responsibility program. Since 2008, the company has undertaken various projects worth around P259 million for the provinces of Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya. These projects have developed community-initiated infrastructure, education, livelihood, indigenous culture, governance, health, and the environment.

Mayor Gayaton thanked SNAP for its support over the years. “Palaguin pa natin ang ating samahan, magka-isa, [at] pagsilibihan ang kababayan na dapat makinabang sa pondo mula sa SNAP. (Let’s keep our partnership, be one, and serve the people who should really benefit from the funds that come from SNAP), he emphasized. Vice Mayor Banhan also cited SNAP’s CSR contributions in boosting the municipality of Ramon.

Meanwhile, Ifugao Vice Governor welcomed the entry of SNAP in Ifugao, thanking the RE company for investing in the province. “You are not only after your income but also what you can give back to our people. CSR is one way of cementing the trust of the Ifugao people [in SNAP],” he added.

He also urged his fellow leaders to “think not only in terms of what we can get [from SNAP] but also how to build a good relationship founded on respect and trust. “If we cannot be friends, then let’s not be enemies,” he emphasized.

Stakeholders were also recognized in the two-day event for their support toward the company’s CSR programs, particularly for their conformance to the CSR 2.0 principles, their activity engagement, and exemplary watershed management.

The host communities’ forum (HCF) is an annual event held by SNAP to update its community-based stakeholders on the company’s operations and initiatives, and facilitate their participation in improving its CSR program.