By Eva Visperas
San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC) is proud to announce a historic milestone as the San Roque Multipurpose Project (SRMP) has been awarded the Hydropower Sustainability Standard Silver Certification by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance on December 10, 2024.
The SRMP achieved an impressive 100% compliance with the Minimum Requirements and exceeded 30% of the Advanced Requirements across twelve (12) key Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics.
The San Roque Multipurpose Project (SRMP) is located in the municipalities of San Manuel and San Nicolas in Pangasinan. The project also extends into the municipality of Itogon in Benguet
In a statement issued yesterday, it said that this certification marks a groundbreaking achievement for SRMP as the first hydropower plant in both the Philippines and Southeast Asia to earn the prestigious Hydropower Sustainability Standard Certification. This accomplishment further solidifies SRPC’s role as a leader in sustainable energy development.
The Hydropower Sustainability Standard is managed by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, an international non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing transparency in the hydropower sector. The certification system includes twelve performance requirements that address critical sustainability factors such as Environmental and Social Assessment, Labour and Working Conditions, Water Quality, Community Impacts, Resettlement, Biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, Governance, and more.
Tommy T. Valdez, SRPC’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs, said, “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges faced during the construction of the SRMP, particularly in relation to environmental impacts and involuntary resettlement. Through innovative solutions and focused collaboration, we have turned these challenges into opportunities for sustainable development, setting a benchmark for the hydropower industry.”
Despite facing several challenges during its development, SRMP, one of the Philippines’ largest infrastructure projects, worked closely with government agencies and the National Power Corporation to implement measures aimed at environmental protection and social responsibility.
The certification validates these efforts, positioning SRMP as a model of sustainable hydropower.
The Hydropower Sustainability Standard Certification not only reaffirms SRPC’s leadership in sustainable energy practices but also sets the stage for a greener, more resilient future for the Philippines. With this achievement, SRPC remains committed to raising the bar for sustainability and innovation in the hydropower sector.