In the verdant landscape of Benguet, where the mountains cradle the sky, a looming challenge has cast a shadow over its tranquility: forest fires.
These destructive blazes, fueled by arid conditions, have increasingly threatened the rural fabric of communities nestled in Bokod and Itogon. Recognizing the urgent need to fortify these areas against such calamities, SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) has taken a proactive stance.
In an inspiring display of partnership, SNAP-Benguet, alongside the National Power Corporation (NPC), orchestrated a critical three-day training from February 14-16, 2024, focusing on Forest Fire Response and First Aid & Basic Life Support.
This initiative was born out of a necessity to elevate the awareness and preparedness of the communities that lie in the shadows of SNAP-Benguet’s Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants.
The training, punctuated by real-life simulations, was spearheaded by adept resource persons from the Bureau of Fire (BFP), NPC-Upper Agno Watershed Area Team (UARWAT), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
These experts brought a wealth of knowledge to the local residents, imparting skills on how to tackle the fiery beast that has already left scars on their land.
Forester Benjamin Kimmayong, UARWAT Watershed Management Chief, highlighted the necessity of implementing an Incident Command System (ICS) and establishing a Quick Response Team (QRT). He underscored these as critical components outlined in the Community-Based Forest Fire Protection and Management Plan for the Upper Agno Watershed. His emphasis did not end there; he called for the creation of a forest fire incident database and a communal operational map. These tools would pinpoint the firelines and natural fuel breaks and would be readily available to all stakeholders involved in fire suppression efforts.
The urgency of such measures is underscored by a distressing statistic: over 20 forest fires have been recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) since January 2024, as reported by the Philippine News Agency. The fires that ravaged the villages of Itogon and Bokod serve as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability.
In response to the crisis, SNAP-Benguet has been in constant coordination with local government units, the BFP, NPC, and other first responders to contain the forest fires. As part of their technical agreement with NPC, SNAP-Benguet has diligently monitored fire suppression activities within a 2.5-kilometer radius from the Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs’ high-water marks. They’ve gone beyond surveillance; they’ve extended tangible assistance, providing fuel and food to those on the frontlines.
The response effort has been multifaceted, with water from the Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs being deployed by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to douse the flames.
Mike Hosillos, SNAP Group’s Chief Operations Officer, expressed a deep-seated hope that the training would ignite a sense of responsibility and action within the community. “We hope that this training helps create more awareness and enables our communities to take more proactive measures to prevent forest fires. Early detection and containment can help prevent the spread, reduce damage, and reduce risk of injury and death from fires,” he stated.
SNAP-Benguet’s initiative is not merely about firefighting; it’s about cultivating a culture of vigilance and collaboration. It’s a testament to their commitment to safeguarding not just the people and their livelihoods but the rich biodiversity of the region.
As the training concluded, a new chapter began for the people of Itogon and Bokod—a chapter of resilience and unity. Armed with the knowledge and support from SNAP-Benguet and its partners, the communities stand ready to protect their homes and heritage from the flames that once threatened to consume them. This collective defense against forest fires is more than a measure of safety; it’s a beacon of hope for a sustainable future.
About SNAP-Benguet:
SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet) is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP).
Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets. As a long-term player, they develop, build, own and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.6 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. They are committed to growing their renewable energy capacity, delivered by their 800 passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of ‘Improving our Future’. 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-Benguet owns and operates the 112.5-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydroelectric power plants in Benguet. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned and managed by the government. In line with established protocols, SNAP operates the spillway gates during normal conditions and the government takes over operations during extraordinary conditions.
