The National Power Corporation and AP Renewables Inc. (APRI) on Monday, August 1 signed a Memorandum of Agreement to seal its partnership in rehabilitating portions of the Tiwi and Makban Geothermal Watersheds in Albay and Laguna.

This partnership was made through the former’s Energy Sector Carbon Sequestration Initiative Program which was launched last October 2021 by the Department of Energy and NPC.

NPC OIC Atty. Melchor P. Ridulme and APRI’s President and CEO Mr. Jeffery R. Estrella led the signing along with NPC Watershed Management Department Manager, Mr. Emmanuel A. Umali and APRI AVP for Safety Health and Environment Ms. Maria Victoria G. Arago.

The MOA outlines APRI’s commitment to nourishing ten hectares of land in each of the said watershed reservations that support the geothermal power plants. With the agreement, NPC shall provide maps and identified tree planting areas and provide the necessary technical assistance in nursery operation, plantation establishment & protection activities. APRI on the other hand shall provide funding and manpower for the restoration of open areas in the Makban and Tiwi forests.

The Energy Sector Carbon Sequestration Initiative Program aims to hasten the rehabilitation of some of the vital watersheds for power generation through the involvement of the private sector (power generators/ independent power producers). Likewise, it intends to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of global warming.