Village Connect
In a quiet but meaningful gathering in Quezon City on April 21, 2026, a story of partnership and progress unfolded—one that goes beyond energy generation and into the heart of community empowerment. Vena Energy, through its subsidiary Quezon Wind Energy Corp., formalized its continued support for the Dumagat/Remontado Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) of Tanay through a ceremonial check turnover, marking another step in a long-standing relationship built on trust and shared purpose.
More than a symbolic gesture, the ceremony represented the formal release of community development funds entrusted to the Tanay ICCs via the Tanay Dumagat Remontado Ancestral Domain Development, Inc.. As the recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Organization established through the Free, Prior and Informed Consent process, TDRADDEVI plays a central role in ensuring that development initiatives reflect the true needs and aspirations of the community. This approach places decision-making power directly in the hands of those who call the land home.
Through this collaboration, projects are not imposed but shaped from within. Priorities such as improving access to education, strengthening healthcare services, enhancing infrastructure, and building sustainable livelihood opportunities are identified by the community itself. The result is a model where development feels personal, relevant, and lasting—grounded in lived experience rather than external assumptions.
Leaders from both sides came together to affirm this shared direction. Representatives from Vena Energy, alongside community leaders including Eleonor Atencio of TDRADDEVI, highlighted how years of cooperation have strengthened not only programs but also confidence within the community. The partnership has allowed indigenous groups to take a more active role in shaping their future, reinforcing a sense of ownership and pride in their progress.
Government support further underscores the importance of this collaboration. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples continues to recognize the partnership as a positive example of how development projects can align with the protection of ancestral domains. By respecting indigenous rights and adhering to established consultation processes, initiatives like this demonstrate that growth does not have to come at the cost of heritage.
At its core, the turnover reflects a broader vision—one where renewable energy development is not measured solely by megawatts, but by the impact it creates in people’s lives. It shows that when companies listen, collaborate, and invest in communities, progress becomes a shared journey.
As the winds of Tanay continue to power homes and industries, they now also carry a deeper meaning—one of inclusion, respect, and a future shaped together.
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