By Jessica M. Bacud
SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — Renewable energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power Magat (SNAP-Magat) has strengthened public information on Magat Dam’s management and operations, disaster preparedness, and comprehensive understanding of weather conditions through an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign.
This was done together with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS).
Around 300 community members from Isabela and Ifugao attended the three-day clustered IEC lectures.
Participants were municipal and barangay officials from Alfonso Lista in Ifugao, Ramon, and San Mateo in Isabela; Aurora and Cabatuan in Isabela; and Luna, Reina Mercedes, Burgos, Naguilian, and Gamu in Isabela. The IECs were held from September 21-23 in this city.
The annual IEC led by PAGASA emphasizes the importance of risk management and coordination among key stakeholders and communities around the Magat Dam, which is used primarily for irrigation, and secondarily for power generation and flood control.
Extreme weather events that bring massive rains require the dam operator to conduct water releases, which is done to ensure the reservoir does not reach critical levels.
During such events, SNAP-Magat, NIA, and PAGASA coordinate closely with local authorities to ensure the safety and protection of the communities in the area.
SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) is a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP). Scatec is a leading renewable power producer, delivering affordable and clean energy worldwide.
SNAP-Magat owns and operates the Magat HEPP with a nameplate capacity of 360 megawatts (MW) and a maximum capacity of 388 MW, and the 8.5-MW Maris HEPP. The non-power components such as dams, reservoirs, and spillways are owned, managed, and operated by the government.
As a long-term player, Scatec develops, builds, owns, and operates solar, wind, and hydro-power plants and storage solutions. Scatec has more than 3.5 GW in operation and under construction on four continents and more than 500 employees.
AP is the holding company of the Philippines-based Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances businesses and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.