Renewable energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power Magat SNAP-Magat joined the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration PAGASA and National Irrigation Administration Magat River Integrated Irrigation System NIA-MARIIS in a 6-day virtual Information, Education, and Communication IEC Campaign on June 14 to 19, 2021, to provide communities downstream of the Magat Dam with a greater understanding of varied weather conditions, disaster management, and Magat Dam operations and protocols.

The webinar was divided into five clusters to focus on distinct stakeholder groups: Alfonso Lista, in Ifugao, Ramon and San Mateo in Isabela; Aurora, Cabatuan, and Luna in Isabela; Burgos, Gamu, Naguilian, and Reina Mercedes in Isabela; Cagayan Province; and Tuguegarao City.

Technical experts from PAGASA presented information on hydro-metrological hazards, dynamics in flood river basins, and climate outlook. NIA-MARIIS and SNAP Magat lectured on flood forecasting and warning system lecture and hydroelectric power plant operation, respectively, while the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office PDRRMO of Isabela provided practical tips on emergency preparedness.

The webinars drew almost 500 local officials from 249 barangay local government units BLGUs and 38 municipal local government units MLGUs from Isabela and Cagayan provinces. Each session was also live-streamed via the PAGASA’s Hydro-Meteorology Division Flood-Forecasting and Warning Section HMD-FFWS Facebook page.

The IEC came to a close on June 19 with a communication simulation drill following the end-to-end communication framework observed during a spillway gate opening. All concerned LGUs, PDRRMOs, and municipal DRRMOs participated in the virtual tabletop exercise.

About SNAP-Magat:

SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP).

Scatec is a leading renewable power producer, delivering affordable and clean energy worldwide. As a long-term player, Scatec develops, builds, owns, and operates solar, wind, and hydro power plants and storage solutions. Scatec has more than 3.5 GW in operation and under construction on four continents and more than 500 employees. The company is targeting 15 GW capacity in operation or under construction by the end of 2025. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘SCATC’.

AP is the holding company of the Philippines-based Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.

SNAP-Magat owns and operates the Magat HEPP with a nameplate capacity of 360 megawatts (MW) and maximum capacity of 388 megawatts MW; and the 8.5-MW Maris HEPP. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned, managed, and operated by the government.