(Photo courtesy of PIA)
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — AboitizPower is undertaking a major rehabilitation program at its Pagbilao Power Station to strengthen electricity reliability while expanding community development initiatives in education, livelihood, healthcare, and environmental protection.
During the Kapihan sa PIA Quezon, Therma Luzon Inc. (TLI) Assistant Vice President for Corporate Services Lou Jason Deligencia said the company is implementing a three-year rehabilitation program for Units 1 and 2 of the 1,200-megawatt power facility.
The program involves equipment upgrades and replacements aimed at extending the operating life of the units by another 15 years.
Deligencia emphasized the need for a balanced energy mix to meet the country’s growing electricity requirements.
“Kailangan po natin ang lahat ng klase ng source of energy para matugunan po ang pangangailangan ng ating bansa,” he said, stressing the importance of both renewable and conventional energy sources in maintaining a stable power supply.
Beyond electricity generation, AboitizPower has invested approximately Php 99 million in corporate social responsibility programs since 2015, supporting more than 140 community projects.
Company Reputation and Stakeholder Management Manager Kirk Coronel said the initiatives include educational assistance for 113 college scholars and 20 high school students, livelihood opportunities, and healthcare services.
“Ang aming pong direksyon sa social impact ay respond, build, and sustain,” Coronel said, explaining the company’s strategy of addressing immediate community needs, strengthening local capabilities, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Among the livelihood initiatives are programs assisting fisherfolk involved in bangus, tilapia, and soft-shell crab production. Beneficiaries also receive training in product processing and marketing to improve their income opportunities.
Environmental protection remains another priority, with projects involving seagrass sanctuary development, artificial coral reef expansion, and marine biodiversity monitoring.
In healthcare, AboitizPower’s Health on Wheels program provides free medical consultations and medicines to residents of 13 sitios in Barangay Ibabang Pulo.
The company also conducts medicine distribution activities and supports other community health programs.
Meanwhile, AboitizPower is preparing for possible El Niño conditions by strengthening maintenance operations at its power facilities, particularly its seawater reverse osmosis systems, to maintain an adequate water supply for electricity generation.
In coordination with the Pagbilao local government, the company is also planning solar-powered pumping stations to assist farmers facing potential water shortages.
Additional measures are being implemented to protect workers from extreme heat.
AboitizPower is likewise strengthening technical training programs and partnerships with government agencies to develop local talent and expand employment opportunities for residents.
Deligencia reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining dependable electricity generation while contributing to the economic and social development of its host communities.
“We will prioritize giving ample power, reliable power, and responsibly made power to the Filipino people,” he said.
