News

Ahunan Power Inc., developer of a large-scale renewable energy project in Pakil, Laguna, has mapped out an Php80-million Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) aimed at watershed and forest conservation, watershed protection and water management.

The IWMP submitted to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calabarzon Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria outlines the strategies “to maintain an ecologically resilient, socially inclusive, and sustainably managed” Pakil River Watershed–which covers a portion of the Pasig-Marikina-Laguna de Bay River Basin–and the Malaking Ilog-Tibag watershed.

Developed through extensive stakeholder consultations, meetings with the DENR provincial office and local government officials, surveys, community mapping, and other supporting activities, the comprehensive plan will be implemented in close collaboration with the DENR, Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), and the local government units of Pakil and Paete.

The assessment found that the two subwatersheds are “highly susceptible to rain-induced landslide and soil erosion, while the low-lying areas within the Pakil River Watershed (portion of Pasig-Marikina-Laguna de Bay River Basin) close to Laguna de Bay are susceptible to flooding.”

To address these vulnerabilities, Ahunan’s watershed management plan incorporates a range of strategies aimed at enhancing ecological resilience and supporting upland and community development. These include reforestation, agroforestry development, nursery establishment and operation, establishment of arboretum, and watershed protection, among others.

A multi-platform, multi-stakeholder Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign will also be rolled out to raise awareness, build environmental values, and promote stewardship of natural resources, particularly forests, water bodies, and biodiversity within the watershed.

“Ahunan approaches renewable energy development with a commitment to protect and preserve the vital ecosystems surrounding the Pakil River and Malaking Ilog-Tibag watersheds to ensure a sustainable future for the communities we serve,” the company said.

Ahunan is developing the Pakil Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Project, expected to be one of the largest facilities of its kind in Asia, and will play a vital role in the national government’s efforts to transition to a clean energy future. The project will significantly support the national government’s goal of achieving a 50-percent renewable energy share in the power generation mix by 2040 and is estimated to help displace approximately 3.1 million tons of coal annually.

With a generating capacity of 1,400 megawatts, the Pakil project will provide electricity to approximately 2.3 million households and is expected to commence operations by 2030. It was given an Energy Project of National Significance certification by the Department of Energy and a Green Lane endorsement by the Department of Trade and Industry and Board of Investments.