Photo by: San Marcelino Public Information Office
SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corp., is providing long-term fuel and insurance support to boat operators serving passengers on Mapanuepe Lake, strengthening its community partnership alongside the development of the San Marcelino Floating Solar Power Plant.
Aboitiz Renewables and the Buhawen Bangka Association signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Sept. 29, 2026, covering 35 boatmen who transport residents and tourists across the lake.
Under the agreement, Aboitiz Renewables will provide an annual P500,000 fuel subsidy to the association for the duration of the floating solar power plant’s operations.
The support is intended to help cushion local boat operators from rising fuel costs and enable them to continue providing transportation services to communities and visitors around Mapanuepe Lake.
Photo by: San Marcelino Public Information Office
The agreement also provides for insurance assistance, which the association may use to help its members address health-related needs and provide added protection against unforeseen circumstances.
“This is important because, as the mayor has seen, the distances we travel are very far,” Buhawen Bangka Association President Joaquin Servando said during the MOA signing.
Aboitiz Renewables Vice President for Project Development Rolando Vergara, who signed the agreement on behalf of the company, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to working with communities that will share the area with its renewable energy facility.
“We will be neighbors for the next 30 years. What matters to us is that you are safe and that no accidents happen on the lake, especially when the plant begins operating,” Vergara said.
He added that Aboitiz Renewables would work with the community to help preserve Mapanuepe Lake’s natural appeal while protecting the livelihoods of residents in Buhawen.
Servando signed the MOA together with association secretary Marife Ladringan and treasurer David Valencia.
The signing was witnessed by San Marcelino Mayor Elvis Ragadio Soria, Councilors Louela Aquino and Darrel Labio, along with representatives of the local community.
The partnership forms part of Aboitiz Renewables’ community initiatives alongside the development of the San Marcelino Floating Solar Power Plant, aligning the company’s renewable energy investment with local livelihood, safety and community priorities.
Beyond providing clean energy, the company said its community programs are designed to support local economic activities and help communities prepare for the long-term operation of renewable energy facilities.