10 March 2018 – The Ayala group has always been geared towards improving lives by ensuring value creation in the environment and communities where it operates. At the forefront is AC Energy with environmental and social initiatives that fully support the development and prosperity of their host communities, with the ultimate goal towards self-actualization and national progress.
In Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, AC Energy has committed to develop a large scale agro-forestry program alongside the analogue reforestation of the area. In Bangui, Ilocos Norte, the company has significantly scaled up its biodiversity program to develop marine sanctuaries for endangered sea turtles. These programs aim to support sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration in Ilocos Norte while at the same time, promoting socio-economic development for the local community.
Helping communities succeed
In the town of Caparispisan, AC Energy’s agro-forestry program in North Luzon Renewables wind farm is well underway. Together with consultants from UP Los Baños, the company continuously conducts lectures and workshops with farmers that currently reside on the boundaries of the wind farm to help develop their agricultural skills. The 5-year program has three major components: To utilize idle land, increase the livelihood of the local community, and to protect the surrounding area.
North Luzon Renewables covers 625 hectares of forest land, 4.5 hectares of which has been dedicated to the creation of a model farm. A variety of sustainable farming techniques such as contour hedgerows, fruit orchards, and watersheds are some of the techniques that are being taught to the farmers. Once completely implemented, the program would spur commercial agriculture to flourish, providing streams of livelihood for the residents of Caparispisan.
Meanwhile, an analogue forestry program is also being implemented to replenish the forest’s depleted resources. Analogue forests are a regenerative system that involves re-growing trees and other flora that mimic natural forests while also providing income for local communities. Together, these projects are aimed at empowering communities to support themselves while ensuring conservation of natural resources.
Conserving biodiversity
In the coastal town of Bangui, AC Energy hired biodiversity experts to develop a turtle conservation in the surrounding areas the North Wind wind farm. Several species of marine turtles have been observed laying eggs and nesting along the shoreline of Bangui Bay. These turtles are considered endangered species, with only one percent of the laid turtle eggs to possibly survive. Moreover, the turtles themselves are in danger of poaching and smuggling.
Biodiversity baseline analysis is currently being conducted in order to document and assess the existing ecosystem and biodiversity conditions of the wind farm. It is envisioned that the turtle sanctuary will not only protect the turtles of Bangui, but will create opportunities for the community through ecotourism.
Sustainability creates shared value
AC Energy reiterates its commitment to the Ayala group philosophy of creating value not just for its businesses, but for the environment and communities where they operate. It is the goal of these projects to ensure that the towns of Caparispisan and Bangui will be able to fully support the development and prosperity of the region, ultimately moving towards self-actualization and contributing to national progress.
AC Energy’s goal for sustainability is to be able to scale up its conservation estate program and replicate this to all the communities where it operates.
