Hedcor to plant at least 200,000 trees this year

HEDCOR reaffirmed its commitment to protect the watershed through its reforestation efforts in Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

For the first quarter, close to 14,000 trees were already planted after a series of tree planting activities which covered 14 hectares in Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and Tamugan, Davao City.

Over 100 volunteers both from Hedcor and from the community took part in the tree planting.

“We started early in our tree planting activities to achieve the goal of planting 200,000 trees this year. Our foresters have identified the locations to reforest and we will partner with our host communities once more,” said Hedcor vice president for Business Development Boy Jabonillo.

Last year, Hedcor planted over 600,000 trees across the country with a survival rate of 87 percent.

Now, the company targets to plant at least 200,000 trees to continue its efforts in preserving and protecting the environment.

“We aim a survival rate of 90% for the trees planted,” Jabonillo said.

Hedcor recognized the importance of a healthy watershed to its business of hydroelectric power generation. Employees are encouraged to plant at least 20 trees every year.

Hedcor has been operating run-of-river hydropower plants since 1978, and started building its own in 1990. In its 35 years of operating hydropower plants, the company has done its part in the protection of the environment.

Other than reforestation, the company embarks on other environmental protection activities such as river bank stabilization, road side rehabilitation and watershed management.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, Hedcor has 19 run-of-river hydropower plants in the country.

The company is ISO certified for Environment Management Systems and a recipient of Department of Energy and Natural Resources’ Seal of Approval as direct result of the company’s green practices.