Beneficiaries of Aboitiz Power Renewables Inc. (APRI) gathered in the APRI-Tiwi Admin Building at Tiwi, Albay, last February 11, to properly learn about the energy regulation (ER) funds and partake in its essential discussion.
Forty (40) representatives from the APRI’s 16 host barangays, the municipality of Tiwi, the Provincial Government of Albay, Region V’s Regional Development Council (RDC), and the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) were trained on the said one-day information drive.
The information drive was conducted to allow the host communities of power generation to better understand its goals and components and ensure that attendees are aware of the latest circulars and policies from the Department of Energy (DOE), including the report on the Annual Work Plan (AWP).
The discussion also assisted beneficiaries to have full access to the ER funds—the generated fund from power-generating companies’ one-centavo per kilowatt-hour donation—which is beneficial to creating projects that correspond to the Development and Livelihood Fund (DLF), Electrification Fund (EF), and Reforestation, Watershed Management, Health and Environment Enhancement Fund (RWMHEEF).
APRI Reputation Supervisor Jocelyn Binalla clarified concerns regarding the unutilized ER funds and assured that the pending LGU project liquidations do not mean forfeiture, as it is safely accumulated in the bank, remaining accessible once all requirements are met.
During the session, ALECO representative Marivic Ranara stated their office’s support and openness for possible project collaboration, particularly for electrification initiatives in Tiwi.
On the other hand, to show transparency to the provider’s constituencies, APRI plans to launch Project Aurish (Automated Robot Inquiry System for Host Beneficiaries)—a 24/7 transactional website development for local implementers to easily access their ER funds—before the second quarter ends.
“As we aim to expand our renewable energy assets, we will be truthful to our promise of advancing business and communities. Imagine the positive impact it can have on the lives of many people, most especially the young ones. We just need to work together and find strategies on how we can maximize these funds,” said APRI Vice President for Corporate Services Leonardo Robel, Jr., emphasizing the long-term impact of the ER1-94 program.
APRI is a subsidiary of AboitizPower, one of the leading geothermal energy producers in the Philippines, with two operating facilities located in Tiwi, Albay, and Sto. Tomas, Batangas.
AboitizPower is a major player in providing reliable power supplies in the country. Together with its partners, the company aims to expand the Cleanergy capacity in the next ten years, their brand in its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.