OLONGAPO CITY — Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corp., gave away 5,000 kilos of rice to members of indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities in Olongapo City and San Marcelino, Zambales.

The power producer made the donation to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, which granted IPs rights over their ancestral domain, ensured their equal protection, and protected their freedom to practice, develop, and preserve their culture, traditions, and spiritual beliefs.

In Olongapo, Aboitiz delivered 200 five-kilo bags and 60 twenty-five-kilo sacks to more than 100 Ayta Ambala households during turnover at Marikit Park.

Meanwhile, the firm handed over another 100 twenty-five-kilo sacks to households in the upland village of Santa Fe in San Marcelino.

Mark Hadrian Gamo, Aboitiz Renewables’ Assistant Vice President for Stakeholder Relations and Permitting, said the donation reflected the firm’s long-standing partnership with local communities.

“A full table gives a family room to hope and to build,” Gamo said. “We are glad to stand alongside our indigenous peoples as they carry their heritage and strength into the future.”

Gamo added that Aboitiz Renewables will continue working with local partners to energize progress and uplift the communities it serves. ▲