Energy firm Hedcor has welcomed the pronouncement by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte that he will ask the City Council to
amendment the Davao City Watershed Code that could put an end to the protracted deadlock between Hedcor and the Davao City Water District over
the use of Tamugan River.
The Watershed Code of Davao City prohibits the erection of any structure within the watershed areas of the city.
“We welcome the positive reaction to the new scheme we submitted a few weeks ago. Considering the finite water sources of the City, multi-use of
the Tamugan river would be the most beneficial way forward for Davao City’s consumers. We are aware of the Watershed Code of Davao and are confident both our projects will comply with its requirements,” Hedcor President and CEO Rene B. Ronquillo said in a statement.
Duterte told Hedcor and the DCWD during the last Friday’s meeting of the Davao City Peace and Order Council to “come to terms by March 20” and
pledged to convince the Davao City Council of the need to immediately amend the Code.
Hedcor has wanted to harness the Tamugan River for its proposed Tamugan Hydropower Project while the water firm wants to tap it as its surface
water source.
For four years, Hedcor has been constantly communicating with DCWD towards a solution addressing their concerns. The goal is co-existence of the two projects: providing Davao City with potable water supply, and clean and renewable energy. Such win-win approach spells multiple benefits for the
surrounding communities, and local and national governments.
To propel the city’s continued progress, Davao City can have both development projects — DCWD’s Surface Water Project, and Hedcor’s Tamugan Hydropower Project. Davao City need not choose between potable water, or clean and renewable energy. The goal is not an either-or, because Dabawenyos can have both.
The proposal of Hedcor to co-exist with DCWD’s Surface Water Project consists of one hydropower plant located downstream of DCWD’s proposed
infiltration gallery.
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