Energy firm taps youths to champion healthier Earth

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

Legazpi City --- The Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a leader in clean and renewable energy, has mobilized its youth scholars to become champions of environmental sustainability and climate action through its flagship education initiative, Project SIKAT.

In partnership with the SIKAT Alumni Association, EDC gathered its scholars for a three-day Solidarity Building and Leadership Camp held at Melad Hotel in Sorsogon City. The camp aimed to empower the youth to take an active role in biodiversity protection and environmental stewardship.

“SIKAT is EDC’s banner education program, which seeks to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged but deserving students from our host communities,” said Maria Nancy Ibuna, head of EDC’s Corporate Relations and Communications Division.

Now on its 12th year, the annual SIKAT Solidarity Camp serves as a platform for values-based development. It strengthens solidarity among scholars, cultivates leadership skills, and deepens their commitment to SIKAT’s core values. This year’s theme, “Making Ways for the Youth to Lead a Regenerative Future,” brought together 91 scholars and 10 alumni from EDC project sites across the country.

Over the past 14 years, the SIKAT program has produced 190 graduates, 95 percent of whom are now employed in various fields such as engineering, education, management, and accounting.

On the first day of the camp, scholars were introduced to EDC’s mission of building a regenerative future. They gained insights into the company’s renewable energy operations and learned about the critical role of youth in advancing sustainability efforts within their communities.

The second day featured an immersive learning tour of the Bac-Man Geothermal Project (BMGP). Scholars explored EDC’s geothermal power operations, participated in a tree planting activity at the BINHI Nursery and Arboretum, and visited the Bat Sanctuary to enhance their understanding of biodiversity’s role in the ecosystem. The tour also included site visits to monitoring stations for noise, water, and air quality—highlighting EDC’s stringent environmental protection measures.

Ibuna emphasized the importance of empowering the youth as climate advocates.

“We hope to nurture change-drivers and future leaders who will help promote and contribute to EDC’s mission of forging collaborative pathways toward a decarbonized and regenerative future,” she said.

The camp concluded with team-building activities and a talent showcase, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity and leadership among the scholars.

First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is the country’s leading producer of 100% renewable energy. With a current installed capacity of 1,388.8 megawatts—comprising 1,094.8 MW from geothermal, 150 MW from wind, 132 MW from hydro, and 12 MW from solar—EDC accounts for nearly 17 percent of the Philippines’ total installed renewable energy capacity.

Dedicated to providing eco-friendly energy solutions, EDC remains committed to creating a healthier planet for future generations.