In an era of escalating global energy demands, a critical question lingers: Can progress truly be achieved without compromising our planet? Alsons Power Group, a leading energy company in the Philippines, not only believes it’s possible but is actively demonstrating how through their unwavering commitment to “powering with care.”
For Alsons Power, sustainable growth isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a foundational principle that prioritizes environmental protection and community empowerment hand-in-hand.
“More than safeguarding the last remaining forests, we at Alsons Power are committed to bringing our forests back to life,” states Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara, CEO of Alsons Power, underscoring the company’s proactive approach to ecological restoration.
Through its Maasim-based subsidiaries, Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) and Siguil Hydro Power Corporation (SHPC), Alsons Power has spearheaded the impactful Watershed Enhancement Project (WEP), a collaborative initiative with the Conrado & Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI).
Revitalizing Siguil River Watershed: A model of inclusive development
Launched in 2018, WEP represents a significant strengthening of Alsons Power’s environmental efforts in Maasim, Sarangani. This ambitious project goes beyond typical conservation, aiming to transform the Siguil River Watershed into a self-sustaining ecosystem through a holistic approach that integrates reforestation, water resource conservation, and biodiversity protection.
In celebration of Philippine Environment Month this June, Alsons Power proudly reaffirms its deep dedication to environmental stewardship. The company joins the nation in emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding the country’s natural resources, particularly vital ecosystems like the Siguil River Watershed. This river system, one of Sarangani Province’s most significant, plays an indispensable role in the region’s ecological balance and the livelihoods of its inhabitants, supporting agriculture, diverse biodiversity, and numerous community endeavors.
Alsons Power’s WEP employs a multi-faceted strategy, incorporating assisted natural regeneration (ANR) and enrichment planting alongside the promotion of agroforestry and Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT). This innovative approach not only strengthens the environment but also provides a significant boost to the local economy.
Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, WEP has demonstrably improved the lives of local communities, particularly farmers and Indigenous Peoples (IPs). By empowering them as active stewards of the land, the program fosters sustainable livelihoods and paves the way for more resilient and inclusive growth across the region.
As of the first quarter of 2025, WEP has achieved remarkable success, with 71,523 trees planted, comprising 36,337 agroforestry and 35,186 reforestation species. An impressive 99% survival rate stands as a testament to the program’s effectiveness. Partner farmers have not only met their targets but have consistently exceeded them, cultivating and planting seedlings directly from their own farms, a clear indication of increasing community ownership and long-term sustainability.
“Each tree we plant is a step toward a greener future; a testament to Alsons Power’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and stewardship,” emphasizes CEO Alcantara.
Empowering communities, one seedling at a time
The impact of WEP extends far beyond simply planting trees; it’s fundamentally about cultivating knowledge and fostering self-sufficiency. Since 2018, the program has provided invaluable hands-on training to local farmers, significantly enhancing their coffee farming techniques. From the initial stages of seedling propagation to meticulous harvesting, processing, and crucial post-harvest care, the program has equipped farmers with the essential skills needed to improve the sustainability and market value of their crops.
“In the past, we planted coffee but didn’t know how to care for it. Most of it would die,” recalls IP farmer Manasan Galante. “Now, our farms are thriving. Alsons Power and CLAFI gave us the knowledge and support we needed. God has truly used your efforts to uplift us here in the mountains.”
This transformative impact was vividly celebrated at the recent Coffee Harvest Festival, where 17 partner farms in Sitio Datal Basak yielded an impressive 754 kilograms of coffee cherries. Farmers, now proficient in advanced techniques such as drying, dehulling, and sorting green coffee beans (GCBs), successfully produced 241 kilograms of premium ripe coffee cherries in a single season – a testament to the program’s effective transfer of knowledge and skills.
A future rooted in care
Alsons Power’s environmental initiatives in Maasim tell a compelling story of growth, not just in terms of flourishing trees and abundant harvests, but in the blossoming of hope, resilience, and shared responsibility within communities.
From large-scale reforestation efforts to the promotion of sustainable farming practices, the Alsons Power Group continues to prove that environmental stewardship and industrial progress are not mutually exclusive but can, in fact, move forward together in harmonious synergy.
“Powering with Care means taking action, restoring the environment and supporting communities, so we can make a lasting impact today and build a better future for generations to come,” affirms Alcantara.
Rooted in its brand promise, “We Power with Care,” Alsons Power envisions a future where people, nature, and industry grow in harmony, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow for all.
