By KIMBERLIE QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY—Following the unrelenting demand of the people of Bakun, the National Commission on Indigenous People-Cordillera Administrative Region (NCIP-CAR) ordered Hedcor, Inc., to shut down its three hydroelectric power plants (HEPP) in the northern Benguet town.

In a cease-and-desist order (CDO) released on June 22, NCIP-CAR Regional Director Marlon Bosantog called on Hedcor “to wind up and install safety protocols” in the three plants.

“It is expected for you to completely cease operations five days after receipt thereof,” Bosantog added.

The NCIP regional director also stated that the order remains in force until the company secures a Certification Precondition (CP). NCIP issues a CP to attest that the concerned indigenous community has given its free prior and informed consent.

On June 7, NCIP issued a notice of violation to Hedcor for the continued operations of the three plants without the Bakun people’s consent.

Lloyd Revilla from Hedcor’s corporate communications department confirmed that they received the order on the day it was released, and said that they will comply with NCIP’s order.

Noreen Vicencio, Hedcor’s vice president for corporate services, said the closure of their three plants will impact the Luzon grid’s power supply, already at low levels. “The CDO will not just affect Hedcor, but also the customers and communities we serve. At this time of a red alert situation in the Luzon grid, the continued operation of our plants is very crucial,” she said.

According to information posted on Aboitiz Power’s website, Hedcor’s Lon-oy and Lower Labay HEPPs, both in Barangay Poblacion, generate 11 GWh and 13 GWh, respectively. Their Ferdinand L. Singit HEPP, straddling Barangays Poblacion and Sinacbat, generates 30 GWh. The 54 GWh annual total power the plants generate is delivered to Advent Energy, Inc., and Advent Energy Solutions.

Advent Energy is a power distributor that caters specifically to economic zones in Luzon.

Revilla explained that all power producers are connected to the Luzon grid and Advent Energy is a direct customer within the grid.

FPIC process

“We believe that we have been compliant with all the requirements during the course of the FPIC application process, and have been waiting for the issuance of the Certificate Precondition (CP) since the FPIC-MOA was signed,” Vicencio said.

The people of Bakun issued their second resolution of non-consent on April 7 followed by a resolution asking NCIP to issue a CDO on April 22 this year. The first resolution of non-consent was issued in 2019.

According to Bosantog’s order, the FPIC activities for Hedcor’s three plants began on August 1, 2018 after the company’s hydropower-operating contracts lapsed in March 8, 2018. The MOA negotiations started on May 17, 2019 but the Bakun folk issued a Resolution of Non-Consent due to disagreement on royalty provisions. Hedcor issued a motion for reconsideration in August 2019, which was discussed in a community assembly in September 2019. The FPIC-MOA was then signed on October 15, 2019.

However, on March 2021, the people of Bakun issued a resolution revoking the MOA due to alleged irregularities. They also said that Hedcor is using the MOA to pressure municipal officials to yield to company demands.

Despite the CDO, Hedcor continues to reach out to the Bakun people for a dialogue towards the resolution of the issues raised. # nordis.net