SNAP clarifies Magat Dam ownership

By Leander C. Domingo, TMT November 28, 2020
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/11/28/business/green-business/snap-clarifies-magat-dam-ownership/802181/

In a statement, SNAP said it operates the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant on the border of Isabela and Ifugao, but not Magat Dam, which is owned by the government through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

“SNAP does not own, manage or operate Magat dam and its re-regulating facilities,” SNAP said.

In 2007, SNAP took over Magat hydroelectric power plant after a successful privatization bid but the deal did not include the dam.



“Magat Dam is a multi-purpose dam primarily for irrigation and flood control. As such, the ownership, management and operations of Magat and Maris dams and all other non-power components such as reservoirs and spillways remained with the government through the NIA,” SNAP said.

Meanwhile, SNAP has mobilized relief operations in its host and neighboring communities affected by Typhoon Ulysses.

Out of its P3.5 million for the operations that it launched on November 16, SNAP has delivered around P3.35-million worth of relief goods to the provincial governments of Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Ifugao; Cagayan State University in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; and the Cagayan Red Cross as of November 20.

The aid consists of rice, other food supplies and water.

SNAP said it is also partnering with Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and Philippine Milling Corp. in jointly donating around P2 million worth of medicine and vitamins, food packs and bottled water for the next wave of relief to affected communities.

SNAP is a joint venture of SN Power of Norway and AboitizPower and also owns and operates the Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants in Benguet, and the Maris hydroelectric power plant in Isabela, in addition to the Magat hydro power plant.