Courtesy: Hedcor Group FB
Aboitiz Renewables Inc. and the Aboitiz Foundation were honored at the 2025 CSR Guild Awards for their cultural initiative, Project Tahi ‘Ta!, which supports Higaonon women in Impasugong, Bukidnon.
Recognized under the Arts and Culture category, the project revives traditional weaving practices through a livelihood program that blends heritage preservation with skills development.
To promote cultural preservation and economic empowerment, Aboitiz joined forces with the Guihean IP Women’s Association and the Kalandang Weavers Association to launch Project Tahi ‘Ta!. The initiative celebrates the resilience of Higaonon women in Bukidnon by supporting traditional weaving practices, thereby helping to establish a sustainable source of income for their communities.
(Also read: Zamboanga Biomass Energy to Create Jobs and Help Farmers)
Empowering women
Often, tradition needs tools to thrive, and in Barangay Guihean, Aboitiz helped provide just that. Through donated sewing machines, full kits, and training support, 19 women completed a 2024 program that taught them everything from pattern-making to crafting both everyday garments and traditional wear. Now, many earn extra income by taking on sewing work for their community.
“Project Tahi ‘Ta! blends cultural preservation with livelihood support. Apart from crafting practical items, women aged 19 to 60 are taught to continue making traditional garments and accessories, allowing them to pass their knowledge to the next generation,” noted Noreen Vicencio, Aboitiz Renewables First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations.
She also stated that culture and livelihood go hand in hand, emphasizing that when women build confidence in their craft, they not only generate income but also bring a sense of pride and purpose to their families.
Because of this renewed confidence, the women are now expanding their craft into new markets. With support from their association, they’ve begun designing custom uniforms, hand-stitched tote bags, and decorative table runners. They’re also forging partnerships with nearby schools and vendors to grow their customer base and boost local demand.
In Sitio Mintapud, Aboitiz Renewables, through Hedcor Bukidnon Inc., has extended its cultural efforts by providing materials for traditional weaving and beadwork. The initiative helps preserve Higaonon artistry and keep Indigenous traditions alive in nearby communities.
Elsa Anlicao, who is grateful for the opportunity, shared, “Ang suporta sa Aboitiz Renewables ug Aboitiz Foundation nakausab sa among asosasyon, pinaagi sa paghatag namo og mga gamit ug kahibalo aron mapalambo ang among kahanas, makabuhat og malungtarong panginabuhi, ug mapalig-on ang among komunidad.” (The support from Aboitiz Renewables and Aboitiz Foundation has transformed our women’s association by providing the tools and skills needed to refine our craft, build a stable livelihood, and uplift our community.
“We’re proud to support Indigenous artisans who are preserving tradition and building better futures at the same time,” shared Aboitiz Foundation Chief Operating Officer Mardi Mapa-Suplido.
Hedcor Bukidnon Inc. runs the Manolo Fortich 1 and 2 hydro plants in Bukidnon, tapping the energy of the Tanaon, Amusig, and Guihean rivers to generate sustainable power.
(Also read: DAR Plans 10,000-Solar Plant in Zamboanga)
Other awardees
The CSR Guilds Awards, spearheaded by the League of Corporate Foundations, recognize initiatives that deliver meaningful and enduring change in communities throughout the Philippines.
In addition to the Aboitiz Foundation, five other organizations received the 2025 CSR Guild Award from the League of Corporate Foundations for their outstanding community initiatives.
The Oscar M. Lopez Center was recognized for its disaster resilience work, particularly in crafting inclusive preparedness tools for the deaf. Metro Pacific Investments Foundation earned the award in the environment category for expanding its coastal conservation program in Siargao and Mabini. Vivant Foundation was honored for its education efforts through Project Liadlaw, which provides solar power to off-grid schools. Ayala Foundation was acknowledged for enterprise development via its Iraya Mangyan weaving program that supports Indigenous artisans, while the award for health and well-being went to Zuellig Family Foundation for strengthening local health systems.
The League also conferred the CSR Medal of Recognition to several non-member organizations for their meaningful contributions. Honorees included Pioneer Adhesives Foundation Inc., Pascual Laboratories, First Gen Corporation, Fluor Daniel Inc. Philippines, and Juanito I. King Foundation Inc.
Sources:
https://tribune.net.ph/2025/07/13/aboitiz-foundation-renewables-get-csr-award
https://powerphilippines.com/aboitiz-wins-csr-award-for-ip-women-sewing-project-in-bukidnon/
