SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) underscored the importance of turning commitments into tangible and lasting impact during its annual Host Communities’ Forum (HCF), held on September 8 in Banaue, Ifugao, and September 9 in Santiago City, Isabela, with the theme “Transforming Commitments into Meaningful Change.” The two-day forum brought together around 153 representatives from local government units from its host communities in Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya. In his keynote address, SNAP General Manager and Group Chief Executive Daniel Icasiano emphasized that the real measure to fulfilling commitments is whether something becomes meaningfully different for people, and whether that difference lasts. “Transformation is not what we announce. It is what is still different five years after we leave the room,” he said. He cited SNAP-Magat’s Bridging Gaps in Higher Education through Tertiary Scholarships (BRIGHTS) and Partnership in Uplifting Upland Natural Resources, Livelihoods and Assets (PUNLA) programs as examples of initiatives that translate commitments into long-term benefits for communities. Through BRIGHTS, SNAP-Magat has admitted 71 scholars and produced 37 graduates, with 23 scholars currently enrolled for School Year 2026–2027. Meanwhile, PUNLA has supported watershed and environmental rehabilitation efforts in Ifugao. From 2019 to 2024, the program rehabilitated and restored 34.3 hectares of rice terraces, reforested and enriched 100.44 hectares of forest areas, and established five hectares of agroforestry farms, helping mitigate an estimated 6,722 tons of soil erosion across the province. Under PUNLA-Upper Magat Phase 2, an additional six hectares of rice terraces in Banaue are being restored, with the 2025–2027 program targeting 42.5 hectares of muyongs in Banaue, 42 hectares of rice terraces in Mayoyao and Hingyon, and the conservation of the Mt. Binahagan Micro Watershed in Lagawe. “Because our ecosystems and communities are so deeply intertwined with your operations, our partnership cannot afford to be stagnant. We must actively work to transform our shared commitment into lasting, visible, and meaningful change for our people,” said Ms. Rosemarie Lindawan, Chief Administrative Officer, speaking on behalf of Ifugao province governor Hon. Jerry Dalipog. “We pledge to maintain a stable and supportive environment for your operations.” Provincial Administrator of Nueva Vizcaya King Webster Balaw-ing said, “Sa ngalan ng ating butihing gobyerno ng Nueva Vizcaya, gusto ko pong iparating ang pasasalamat sa SNAP-Magat, sa partnership na nabuo with the provincial government, the component municipalities, and the component barangays of Nueva Vizcaya. (On behalf of our good provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, I would like to extend our gratitude to SNAP-Magat, for the partnership formed with the provincial government, the component municipalities, and the component barangays of Nueva Vizcaya.) We commend SNAP for taking cognizance of their commitments and responsibilities to the communities.” Municipality of Ramon Vice Mayor Dennis Jon Dela Cruz said, “In 19 years of partnership, talagang naramdaman po ang pagbabago sa bayan, with the help of, of course, the presence of SN Aboitiz in our municipality. Maraming salamat sa mga nangyari na, sa mga kasalukuyang nangyayari, at sa mga susunod na ibibigay pa. (In 19 years of partnership, we truly felt the change in our town, with the help of, of course, the presence of SN Aboitiz in our municipality. Thank you very much for everything that has happened, everything that is currently happening, and everything still to come.)” The HCF reaffirmed SNAP-Magat’s continued partnership with its host communities and local stakeholders in advancing initiatives that create lasting change in the communities where it operates.#     \

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap has filed a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry in aid of legislation into the mining exploration activities of Crescent Mining and Development Corporation in Mankayan, Benguet, following ongoing community barricades and escalating land disputes. House Resolution No. 1451, filed on Sept. 16, directs the appropriate house committees to review the validity, renewal, and implementation of the company’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement No. 057-96-CAR. “We filed House Resolution 1451 calling for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the proposed exploration and mining activities in Mankayan by Crescent Mining and Development Corporation, not to prejudge any future mining project, not to oppose development, and certainly not to take sides before the facts are established,” Yap said. The probe will focus on compliance with the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, and environmental safeguards. “Our mountains have always provided for our people. They carry our water, sustain our livelihoods, hold our history, and form part of the identity and heritage of generations of Benguet. Kaya kung may tanong at pangamba ang mga residente, mga IPs natin, tungkol sa exploration activities for possible mining operations within or near their communities, government has a duty to listen,” said the solon. Yap added while these activities are still at the exploration stage, now is the proper time to ask the questions—before decisions are made that may become difficult to reverse. “Nasunod ba ang mga tamang procedures at legal requirements? Were the affected communities genuinely and meaningfully consulted? Nirespeto ba ang mga karapatan ng nga Indigenous Peoples at mga requirements concerning ancestral domains? What exactly has been authorized at this stage? What safeguards are in place? Pinakaimportante sa lahat, were the people who may eventually live with the consequences given a meaningful voice from the very beginning? At isa sa pinaka fundamental na dapat sagutin nating lahat: for whom is development?” Yap further said. Records from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the Cordillera Administrative Region indicate that Crescent Mining holds an agreement covering approximately 533.4 hectares in Mankayan. The MGB directory lists the agreement term from Nov. 12, 2021, to Nov. 12, 2046, with the project currently classified under exploration status. Since 2025, indigenous residents from Barangays Bulalacao and Guinaoang have voiced opposition to the exploration activities, expressing concerns over potential damage to ancestral lands, agricultural areas, watersheds, and local livelihoods but Crescent Mining maintains that its agreement is valid and that it satisfied all statutory consent requirements. The dispute has led to human barricades and court proceedings, resulting in a preliminary injunction prohibiting protesters from blocking access to proposed exploration zones. “We recognize that mineral exploration may eventually lead to investments, employment, revenues, and economic opportunities. We should not close the door to responsible development before the facts are known. But neither should we wait until a project has advanced much further before listening to the communities that may be affected. Dahil para sa Benguet, land is more than an economic resource. It is home. It is livelihood. It is heritage. It is identity. And for our Indigenous Peoples, our relationship with the land reaches across generations. From those who came before us to the children who will inherit what we leave behind,” Yap explained. Support for the protesters has drawn attention from local governing bodies with the Sangguniang Bayan of La Trinidad unanimously passing Resolution No. 426-2026 on Sept. 8, backing the indigenous communities of Mankayan and urging respect for their ancestral domain rights, culture, and self-determination. The house resolution meanwhile aims to determine whether existing government mechanisms sufficiently protect indigenous rights while allowing responsible mineral exploration with the inquiry seeking to invite officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, local government units, affected indigenous leaders, and representatives from Crescent Mining to recommend appropriate legislative action. “This inquiry should therefore hear everyone, mga apektadong residente, local governments, concerned national agencies, at yung mga proponents ng mining activities themselves. Let them explain their plans. Let the agencies explain the permits and processes that were followed. Let our communities explain their concerns. And then let the facts speak,” Yap continued. The solon added the inquiry is not about choosing between development and the people but responsible development should never require stakeholders to make that choice and while there can be room for exploration, investment, and economic opportunity, there must always be room at the table for the communities whose land, environment, livelihood, culture, and future may ultimately be affected. “Naniniwala tayo na ang totoong development does not begin with what we can take from the land. Pero nagsisimula ito with listening to the people who call it home,” Yap continued.

MOUNTAIN PROVINCE, Philippines — A significant milestone for the Municipality of Sabangan as the Local Government Unit receives a total funding allocation of ₱165 Million from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) for the implementation of Farm-to-Market Road projects in the municipality. The project cheque was formally received by Mayor Henrico B. Boguilis represented by Warden B. Taltala from OPAPRU Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, in Paracelis, Mountain Province, marking another important step toward improving connectivity, strengthening agricultural productivity, and opening greater opportunities for our farmers and communities. The proposed Farm-to-Market Roads will help provide better access from agricultural production areas to markets, reduce transportation difficulties and costs, and facilitate the movement of agricultural products and other essential goods. This substantial investment demonstrates the national government’s continuing commitment to peace, development, inclusive growth, and improved connectivity in geographically challenged communities. The Municipality of Sabangan expresses its sincere gratitude to OPAPRU and all concerned national government agencies and partners for this valuable support. Together, we continue to build roads that do more than connect places—they connect people, strengthen livelihoods, and create opportunities for a more progressive and resilient Sabangan. “These are some of the legacy projects secured by the late Mayor Marcial Jr. C. Lawilao. He made sure that developments shall continue for his municipality to ensure the betterment of the entire community most especially farm to market roads.” said Mr. Taltala when asked how they secured the largest funding among the municipalities of mountain province.    

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines – Police Brigadier General Noel Vallo, regional director of the Police Regional Police Office-Cordillera Administrative Region, expressed his desire to have good and good relations between the media groups and the public in the region. In his message during the PROCAR and Cordillera PNP Press Corps Meet and Greet held last September 10 at Camp Dangwa Log Cabin, “First of all, I would like to thank all the members of the Cordillera PNP Press Corps who are here led by your president, Harley Palangchao, of the Manila Times and you have accepted our invitation, so that we can be together this afternoon.” According to Vallo, it is an honor to be with the media groups in this small occasion, to strengthen the trust and good relationship between PRO CAR and our friends in the media. “Taking the time to participate in this gathering is proof that your hearts are open to the continued and genuine support of the PROCAR police.” He said that the role of the media is important in delivering information to the citizens. “You are the bridge between the police and the community in informing them of our programs, accomplishments, and services. Our cooperation is important to ensure that the information reaching the public is correct, verified, and responsible.” “As your Regional Director, I would like to inform you that our office is open to our media partners. We seek good communication, and fair relations for the good of our communities. Because, our goal is the same, to serve our constituents well and make the community feel the true public service.” According to Palangchao, the media community hopes that the media and the police will once again have a good partnership in the future, after it was lost under the previous leadership of PROCAR. Palangchao also expressed the media’s support for PROCAR’s programs and projects and emphasized the importance of accurately reporting information on the accomplishments of the police force. (By Zaldy Comanda)              

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines — Three Police Commissioned Officers of the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) took on greater responsibilities as they formally donned the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel during the Simultaneous Oath-Taking and Donning of Ranks of Newly Promoted Police Lieutenant Colonels on September 11, 2026. The program held at the PRO CAR Log Cabin, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet, was led by PBGen Noel Vallo EN NOEL B VALLO, Regional Director of PRO CAR, who personally administered the oath-taking and donning of ranks for the newly promoted officers: PLtCol George Acob of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office; PLtCol Manuel Canipas, Jr., of the Abra Police Provincial Office; and PLt Col Bernabe Chamo,Jr., of the Baguio City Police Office. The ceremony brought together the officers’ colleagues, senior officials, and family members who witnessed the occasion as the three officers entered another stage of their careers in the police service. Joining the ceremony were PBGen Julio Lizardo, Deputy Regional Director for Administration; PCol Froilan Lopez, Deputy Regional Director for Operations; PCol Arnold Razote, Officer-in-Charge, Chief Regional Staff; Atty. Henry M. Dungala, Regional Director of the National Police Commission-CAR; Chief Regional Staff; members of the Regional and Special Staff; other PRO CAR personnel. The program commenced with a solemn invocation led by Rev. Fr. (PCPT) Jezzryl Failagmao, Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Chaplain Service, who also officiated the blessing of the rank insignias and accouterments. This was followed by the reading of the Promotion Order by PCol Lee Allen Bauding, Chief of the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division, formally recognizing the promotion of the three officers and their continued dedication to police service. In his congratulatory message, Gen Vallo reminded the newly promoted officers that their new rank represents not only a career milestone but also the greater trust and responsibility entrusted to them as senior police officers. “Let your character speak louder than your position, and let your principles guide you when faced with difficult choices. Sa bawat pagkakataon, piliin ninyo ang tama at naaayon sa panunumpang inyong binitawan bilang mga alagad ng batas,” he added. In their response, the three newly promoted PLTCOLs expressed their gratitude to the organization, their colleagues, and their families for the support and guidance that contributed to their professional journey. They likewise reaffirmed their commitment to carry out their duties with integrity, professionalism, and dedication. The promotion marks a significant milestone in the careers of the three officers and reflects the trust placed in their competence, leadership, and commitment to police service.

APAYAO, Philippines — Various Irrigators Associations (IAs) under the West Apayao-Abulug Irrigation System (WAAIS) are gearing up for the Gulayamanan sa Patubigan initiative by clearing canal embankments and planting them with a variety of short-term vegetables and medicinal plants. Participating IAs include the Shalom Cabatacan Farmers Irrigators Association (FIA) of Luna, Apayao; Samahang Nayon ng Apayao FIA (SANAFIA) of Pudtol, Apayao; and Timpuyog ti Simayung IA of Abulug, Cagayan. IA members planted a wide range of crops, including bitter gourd, sponge gourd, string beans, bottle gourd, pechay, taro, Malabar spinach, okra, eggplant, tomato, papaya, jute mallow, squash, and chili. Medicinal plants such as oregano and serpentina were also planted. These activities were carried out alongside the clearing and maintenance of areas surrounding irrigation canal facilities. Through Gulayamanan sa Patubigan, IAs maximize available spaces along irrigation canals for vegetable and medicinal plant production. Beyond promoting food production, the initiative encourages IA members to actively participate in the upkeep of irrigation facilities and maximize productive spaces within the irrigation service area. The initiative highlights how irrigation canals can serve not only as vital infrastructure for agricultural production but also as spaces that can contribute to food security, environmental stewardship, and stronger community participation among irrigators.        

  BONTOC, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE,Philippines  – Members of newly registered Irrigators’ Associations-turned-cooperatives are strengthening their knowledge and skills in cooperative governance and management through a series of training activities aimed at building stronger, more sustainable organizations. The Mainit Aliwes Irrigators Cooperative underwent the Governance and Management of Cooperatives training on August 25, 2026, in Mainit, Mountain Province. Meanwhile, the Ug-ugbo Farmers, Fisherfolks and Irrigators Agriculture Cooperative is currently undergoing the same training in Sabangan. The Lukkat Irrigators Agriculture Cooperative is scheduled to participate in the training on August 31, 2026, in Talubin, Bontoc. Ms. Aida P. Pati of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) serves as the resource speaker, with NIA irrigators’ Development Officers as facilitators. One of the institutional programs of NIA, the transition from an Irrigators’ Association to a cooperative opens greater opportunities for members to go beyond irrigation system management and venture into sustainable agricultural enterprises. As cooperatives, members can collectively explore livelihood and business opportunities, improve access to markets and services, pool resources, and undertake income-generating activities that can contribute to increased and more sustainable earnings. Through stronger governance and collective action, these cooperatives are being prepared to become not only partners in managing irrigation systems but also viable farmer-led enterprises that can create greater economic opportunities for their members and communities.  

BENGUET, Philippines — Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap expressed his deep gratitude to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. following the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) defense of major agricultural infrastructure projects for the province. Yap praised Tiu Laurel for championing the needs of Benguet farmers after the agency stood behind proposed funding for key farm-to-market roads and cold storage facilities aimed at resolving the region’s post-harvest struggles. “Finally, we have an Agriculture Secretary that truly cares for Benguet farmers. We will be one of the top priorities of the government in terms of providing long term solutions to our perennial problems,” Yap said. The lawmaker commended Tiu Laurel’s commitment during national budget deliberations, specifically highlighting the DA’s efforts to include vital rural road development in the proposed General Appropriations Bill. “Saludo kami sayo Secretary Laurel, sa pagtindig at pagbibigay importansya para sa mga farmers namin sa Benguet at sa pagtitiyak na maisasama sa General Appropriations Bill ang mga pondo para sa maraming farm to market roads sa probinsya,” Yap said. For years, high-altitude vegetable growers in Benguet have faced severe logistical bottlenecks that led to rotting produce and crashing market prices. Yap noted that Tiu Laurel’s decisive push for post-harvest interventions—including a mega cold storage unit and processing plant—marks a major turning point for local agriculture. “Matagal nang problema yung mga tinatapon na mga gulay, o yung pagbagsak ng presyo nito sa market. But our Secretary said enough is enough. Nagpapasalamat din tayo sa commitment nya na magtatayo ng mega cold storage facilty and processing plant. We truly thank our government for finally responding to our appeal. Hindi nasayang ang pagod at efforts natin to make sure that our voices are heard and amplified,” Yap noted. Although the proposals must still clear final congressional approval, Yap voiced confidence that the projects will move forward under the leadership of the agriculture chief and legislative supporters. “More work to be done hangga’t hindi pa naisasama sa magiging GAA for 2027 but I am confident that no less than Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. championing this, and our supportive leadership in Congress, we will see this plan come into fruition,” Yap said. “Sec, muli po, maraming salamat sa pagtindig para sa aming mga magsasaka sa Benguet.

BENGUET, Philipoines — SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet), in partnership with Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI), officially turned over a 5 kWp hybrid solar power system to Kiweng Primary School in Barangay Ambuklao, Bokod, Benguet, bringing reliable electricity to the school’s 23 students and two teachers. The turnover, held at the Barangay Ambuklao Function Hall on August 26, 2026, was attended by school officials, local government representatives, and executives from SNAP and Aboitiz Foundation. The project is under AuroraPH, Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship program that brings electricity through solar and other renewable sources, internet connectivity, and digital learning tools to remote schools in the Philippines. Kiweng Primary School is located in a remote, geographically isolated area that can only be reached by boat, with students and teachers having to walk up nearly 200 steps to reach the school grounds. The system installed at Kiweng consists of 10 units of 590Wp Jinko Solar monocrystalline bifacial panels, a Deye hybrid inverter, and a battery storage unit. Also provided was an LED television unit that the school can use as an additional learning tool. “We are so happy to bring this light here to Kiweng Primary School. We hope that teachers and students can make fuller use of digital learning tools in your classrooms,” said Daniel Icasiano, General Manager and Head of SN Aboitiz Power Group. He also took time to thank and laud the school principal and the parent-teacher association (PTA) present for the work that they do. “Maraming salamat po (thank you very much) for your incredible dedication to your students. You and the teachers are true heroes of this community.” Kiweng Primary School’s principal, Larson Calatero, likewise expressed gratitude: “You have brought us hope. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa (thank you very much to) DepEd, AFI, at SNAP for helping address one of the challenges faced by our school. We deeply appreciate your efforts to provide what our school needs because teaching and learning become more difficult when there is no electricity.” Ambuklao barangay chairman Reynaldo Tello, who was also in attendance, said, “We are truly grateful to SNAP not only for providing the solar power system to Kiweng Primary School, but also for the many projects and initiatives they have extended to our community in Barangay Ambuklao.” This is SNAP-Benguet’s third project with Aboitiz Foundation. Other beneficiaries were Domolpos Community School in Barangay Tinongdan, Itogon, which received a 6 kWp solar power system with battery storage and internet connectivity in December, and Lusod Community School, also in Itogon, which received a 6.2 kWp solar power system. AuroraPH launched its pilot phase in 2024 with 11 schools nationwide, six of which are in Benguet, and has since grown to 53 schools, with 54 more in the pipeline — bringing the total to 107 schools across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The program aims to reach 300 schools nationwide in the coming years, working with government agencies such as the Department of Education, distribution utilities, and technology partners to deliver solar power, battery storage, and internet connectivity.