Aboitiz Renewables partners with host communities across the Philippines to master the “Golden Hour,” equipping residents with the skills to act as an immediate first line of defense during medical and fire emergencies.
Aboitiz Power Corporation subsidiary Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) is ramping up disaster preparedness and emergency response initiatives across its host communities nationwide, strengthening grassroots capabilities to respond during the critical “golden hour” following emergencies and disasters.
Through a series of training programs, equipment donations, and community partnerships in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the company aims to empower local responders and residents with life-saving skills and tools, particularly in remote and vulnerable areas where access to emergency services may be limited.
In Barangay Buhawen in San Marcelino, nearly 200 teachers, parents, and Barangay Health Workers participated in first aid and emergency response training organized by Aboitiz Renewables. The initiative focused on strengthening immediate medical response capabilities within indigenous and rural communities.
Among those trained was Angelina Ladringan, an Aeta barangay health worker, who said the program enhanced their ability to assist injured residents and respond quickly during emergencies.
To further reinforce fire preparedness and environmental protection efforts, Aboitiz Renewables partnered with the Bureau of Fire Protection in Tiwi for a three-day fire brigade training. Participants received hands-on instruction on fire suppression, search-and-rescue operations, and emergency response procedures aimed at improving local readiness during fire incidents and disasters.
In Pangasinan, the company provided ₱497,200 worth of motorized sprayers and grass cutters to community organizations to support wildfire prevention measures and establish firebreaks that can help stop fires from reaching residential areas.
ARI also extended assistance to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Calatrava through the donation of ₱105,800 worth of emergency equipment, including spine boards and searchlights designed to improve rescue operations during nighttime emergencies and severe weather conditions.
“Low visibility in remote areas has challenged our teams,” said MDRRMO head Rey Sumingit, noting that the new equipment would significantly improve the safety and efficiency of rescue operations.
According to Aboitiz Renewables, the initiatives reflect the company’s broader commitment to promoting a culture of safety not only within its facilities but also among communities surrounding its renewable energy projects.
“Our culture of safety defines every aspect of how we operate, and we believe that standard should include our host communities,” said Alexander Coo. “By equipping residents with the skills to act during the critical ‘Golden Hour,’ we are building a unified front of local resilience.”
The company added that strengthening community-based disaster response is essential in ensuring that immediate assistance can be provided while waiting for professional responders to arrive.
Aboitiz Renewables, recognized under the Department of Energy’s SHAPES awards for its safety initiatives, continues to integrate industrial-grade safety standards into community disaster preparedness programs as part of its growing renewable energy operations nationwide.