SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) brought together over 80 representatives from local government units (LGUs) and indigenous peoples’ organizations (IPOs) for its annual Host Communities’ Forum (HCF), anchored on the theme “Redefining Impact: ESG in Community Development.”
This year’s guest speaker, Aboitiz Foundation Chief Operating Officer Mardi Mapa-Suplido, emphasized how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are evolving from a corporate framework into a powerful driver of inclusive, accountable, and resilient community development.
SNAP Group President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Yu reinforced this message, saying, “Redefining impact means building solutions that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready. Through initiatives such as battery energy storage, hydro, and floating solar, we’re shaping a sustainable energy future while ensuring that progress is shared with our host communities.”
A key highlight of the forum was the presentation of SNAP’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. Earlier this year, the 40-MW Binga BESS 1 broke ground, the first in the Cordillera Administrative Region to reach financial close and begin construction. Two more facilities, Binga BESS 2 and Ambuklao BESS, 40 MW each, are set to follow pending regulatory approvals. These projects demonstrate how innovation, guided by ESG commitments, can power communities while contributing to the country’s energy transition.
The forum also showcased the Barangay Health Care Clinic project in Barangay Tikey, Bokod, Benguet, implemented under the Department of Energy’s ER1-94 program and SNAP’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund. In addition, through the ER1-94 program, the provincial government completed the construction of the Senior Citizen’s Building in Kapangan, Benguet. Both projects directly contribute to improving the health and welfare of community members.
Representing the host municipalities, Itogon Mayor Bernard Waclin and Bokod Mayor Eric Donn Ignacio expressed gratitude for SNAP’s continued support. Mayor Ignacio said, “With this ESG framework in mind, we will deliver projects that have a lasting impact on our people.” Mayor Waclin noted that the annual forum helps ensure that SNAP-funded projects are aligned with the needs of his constituents.
The annual HCF once again served as a bridge for dialogue, collaboration, and accountability —strengthening partnerships between SNAP and its host communities for a more sustainable future.#
About SNAP:
SNAP is a renewable energy producer and developer. It owns and operates the 112.5-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plants in Benguet; the Magat hydroelectric power plant which has a nameplate capacity of 360 MW and maximum capacity of 388 MW on the border of Isabela and Ifugao; the 8.5-MW Maris hydro; and the 24-MW Magat battery energy storage facility in Isabela. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned, managed, and operated by the government. SNAP is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI).
Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy. As a long-term player, it develops, builds, owns and operates renewable energy plants, with 6.2 GW in operation and under construction across five continents today. It is committed to grow its renewable energy capacity, delivered by passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’.
ARI is the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation, leading the company’s push toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for the Philippines. It develops, builds, operates, and grows a diversified portfolio of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and energy storage.
