AP Renewables Inc (APRI) launched Barangay Kamustahan Initiative

AP Renewables Inc. (APRI), known for its production of clean electricity from steam, is prioritizing transparent communication with the residents of the communities it serves. In line with this commitment, the company has launched the Barangay Kamustahan initiative in the barangays of Naga and Cale last April 23 and April 30, respectively.

This initiative brought together a total of 7 APRI employees and 99 Barangay Officials, Barangay Health Workers, Purok Leaders, sector representatives – PWD, senior citizens, youths and residents in the two separate  gatherings. During these sessions, APRI provided  insights into the operations of its power plants, including details about its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.  The residents on the other hand are free to give their questions, opinions and suggestions on how APRI can better their community.

The aim is to offer residents a clearer understanding of the inner workings of the power plants and the company’s engagement with the community. By facilitating these discussions, APRI seeks to strengthen trust and transparency in its relationship with the residents of the areas where it operates.

APRI, for instance, gave updates on its ongoing project, Tiwi Binary Plant, which is expected to generate an additional 17 megawatt for the Luzon grid.  The residents and barangay officials were also refreshed on the ER 1-94 policy that allows the host communities to have a fair share of one centavo for every kilowatt-hour (P0.01/kWh) being generated by power plants operating in its area.

The participants of the said assembly expressed their appreciation to the company for conducting such activity, which they deemed insightful and beneficial to the residents.

“The assembly was an informative activity that highlighted the role of APRI. It helped us to become aware about the process of geothermal energy production and how it is being distributed to the consumers. APRI’s initiative of reaching out to the residents through the “Barangay Kumustahan” is an effective way to educate the community,” Ely Cirujales, senior citizen representative of barangay Naga. 

“As the barangay chairman, I am very much thankful to APRI for having the Barangay Kumustahan because it gives us more information on how they generate electricity safely without causing harm to the community,” Delia Cobilla, chairman of Barangay Naga shared.

“Also, APRI helps the community by granting scholarships, conducting livelihood programs, building schools,  giving furniture and medicine kits. The residents of our barangay are very lucky to receive these benefits from APRI. Thank you APRI. You are the best when it comes to conducting information, education, and communication campaigns,” Cobilla added.

“As a newly-appointed barangay secretary, I am very much amazed and grateful as well to the different programs and activities implemented by APRI. They continuously ensure that they contribute to the improvement of our society, particularly in uplifting our economy, strengthening education and protecting the environment,”  Jennefer Marasigan, barangay secretary of barangay Cale.

To ensure that the voices of the residents are being heard, a question-and-answer portion was done during the event wherein the concerns and questions raised were addressed by the respective representatives of APRI.

“Maintaining a harmonious relationship and open communication with the residents of our local communities are vital factors in the operations of the company. APRI highly recognizes the importance of educating and informing our locals about the essential updates on the operations, programs, and initiatives of the company that also have impacts and provide benefits to the host barangays. We assure the host communities that we will continue on initiating this activity every year to further strengthen our linkage,” Leonardo Robel, Vice President, APRI’s Corporate Services.

APRI also targets to conduct Barangay Kumustahan to other host barangays from May to September 2024.