The Aboitiz Group is stepping up its drive toward cleaner energy through its renewable arm, SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP), which brought Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to the forefront of its annual Host Communities’ Forums held across Northern Luzon this September, according to its media release.
With the theme “Redefining Impact: ESG in Community Development,” the series gathered over 200 representatives from local governments and indigenous peoples’ organizations in Benguet, Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya. The discussions centered on how ESG principles can strengthen resilience and sustainability in SNAP’s host communities.
Mardi Mapa-Suplido, Chief Operating Officer of Aboitiz Foundation Inc., delivered the keynote address, encouraging participants to view ESG as “a practical tool for improving governance” rather than just a corporate concept.
The first leg was held in Itogon, Benguet on September 3, with around 80 participants. SNAP shared updates on its renewable energy initiatives, including the 40-megawatt Binga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS 1)—the first such project in the Cordillera Administrative Region to reach financial close and begin construction earlier this year.
SNAP-Magat followed with forums on September 16 and 17 in Ifugao, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya, bringing together about 150 community leaders to discuss ongoing sustainability programs and development partnerships.
“By embedding ESG principles into our projects and partnerships, we aim to build not just energy facilities but also stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready communities,” said Joseph Yu, SNAP President and Chief Executive Officer.
Since 2008, SNAP’s corporate social responsibility fund has supported more than 1,200 projects worth about ₱600 million, covering social infrastructure, indigenous peoples’ development, health, livelihood, education, and the environment.
SNAP owns and operates the 112.5-MW Ambuklao and 140-MW Binga hydro plants in Benguet; the 360-MW Magat plant on the Isabela-Ifugao border; the 8.5-MW Maris hydro; and the 24-MW Magat battery energy storage facility in Isabela.
A joint venture between Scatec and Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI), SNAP is part of the Aboitiz Group’s broader transition toward a sustainable energy future. Through these projects, the group aims to scale up renewable capacity while deepening partnerships with local communities.