Atimonan, Quezon—Atimonan One Energy Inc. (A1E) and Habitat for Humanity Philippines Foundation recently turned over new single detached houses to 47 families, benefitting close to 300 residents in Sitio Carinay, one of the two sitios in Barangay Villa Ibaba, in Atimonan, Quezon.
The New Carinay housing project, is part of A1E’s PhP12.4 million capital expenditure since it started its corporate social responsibility projects in 2012 in Atimonan. A1E is injecting investments here to create a self-reliant community through projects focusing on livelihood, education, health and sanitation, safety and disaster risk reduction and environment stewardship.
A1E is building a 1,200 megawatt state-of-the art coal-fired power plant in Atimonan, the first power station in the Philippines to utilize high efficient, low emission (HELE) technology known as ultra supercritical (USC).
The houses at New Carinay each have power and water supply, toilet and bath, as well as a sewerage system. After five years, the land title will be handed over to formally allow them to own the properties built for them.
From simple to inspired lives
For several decades, the residents in Sitio Carinay lived in makeshift houses. Life was simple, with folks relying on fishing along the shore of Lamon Bay, and gathering food as their main means of livelihood.
Johnny Ambon, barangay captain of Barangay Villa , said the new relocation project helps local residents with their daily business, and have inspired them.
“Since the relocation is in the center of the barangays, we will have a closely-knit community and services will be readily accessible,” he said.
A1E provided community facilities, including a small chapel, basketball court, water tanks, and a multi-purpose hall where the Carinay homeowners’ association can hold community gatherings.
In cooperation with Habitat, A1E also conducts technical vocational training programs on masonry and commercial painting to residents.
Easy access to transport
The availability of transport is fundamental to the sustainability of isolated communities here.
One of the areas given high priority by A1E, in cooperation with the Atimonan provincial and local government units (LGUs), is transporting residents of isolated communities in Barangay Villa Ibaba to the town proper.
A1E provided regular boat trips for students so they can reach their schools.
A1E partnered with the Quezon provincial government, namely, Quezon Governor David ‘Jayjay’ Suarez, and the Atimonan municipal council headed by Mayor Rustico Joven ‘Ticoy’ Mendoza, to improve road access to the isolated communities.
A 1.6-kilometer road is now being built that will allow easier movement of local commodities and essential goods in Atimonan.