Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) subsidiaries Hedcor  and Luzon Hydro Corp. (Luzon Hydro), together with Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Aboitiz Foundation), donated rice and fuel to host communities hit by typhoon “Egay.” Egay devastated communities in northern parts of Luzon after its landfall on Wednesday, July 26, destroying crops, displacing many people, and leaving many roads impassable.
HEDCOR Group External Relations Manager for Luzon Geraldine Ronquillo (center) turns over rice donation to the province of Ilocos Sur, represented by  Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Officer Rhon Arquelada (left) and staffer Tereza Zaragosa (right). Responding to requests from local government units for assistance, Luzon Hydro distributed 150 sacks of 50-kilogram rice, benefitting 750 families in Ilocos Sur. Hedcor, on the other hand, extended over 1,700 liters of fuel to the municipalities of  La Trinidad, Tuba, Sablan, Itogon, and Bakun in Benguet, while HedcorSabangan aided the municipalities of Bauko and Sabangan with 780 liters of fuel. The fuel is intended for heavy equipment vehicles and chainsaws that will help clear debris on affected roads, ensuring faster mobilization of relief goods, and for generators in ‘sitios’ without electricity. “Hedcor is honored to contribute to the rebuilding of our communities. Our ‘bayanihan’ spirit furthers our cause to help each other during this period of recovery,” said Hedcor President and COO Rolando Pacquiao. “We join hands with the local government to provide essential aid and relief. We stand in solidarity with our ‘kababayans.’”
HEDCOR External Relations Supervisor Clifford Laguiwed (right) assists La Trinidad, Benguet Municipal General Services Officer Dwight Daodao (left) as heavy equipment for road clearing operations are filled with fuel. Hedcor had helped strengthen the disaster preparedness and risk management capabilities of the these two provinces by providing opportunities for training and donating needed equipment for first aid. Through this, community-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management offices were established in their localities, further upscaling the resiliency and prompt response of the authorities in times of emergencies. “Hedcor is driven by its strong sense of responsibility. By collaborating closely with the different host communities, we are better equipped to  support each other,” Pacquiao added. Earlier this month, Hedcor and fellow AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South Inc. also mobilized relief efforts for over 560 families in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, after the municipality was hit by flash floods due to isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.