Ilocos Norte, Philippines – First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (EDC) continues to spearhead impactful initiatives that bring together communities, government units, schools, and other partners in a shared commitment to environmental responsibility, biodiversity protection, and climate action. These ongoing activities form part of First Gen’s EDC’s mission to forge collaborative pathways toward a decarbonized and regenerative future.
One of the key initiatives includes a Mangrove Planting activity in Davila, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, where EDC employees joined hands with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte – Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGIN-ENRO) under Environmental Program Officer Jogie Jimenez, the Local Government Unit (LGU), Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Marines, and enthusiastic community volunteers. This direct action supports the regeneration of coastal ecosystems and blue carbon sequestration, thereby strengthening the province’s natural defenses against the impacts of climate change.
Building local capacity for sustained conservation, First Gen’s EDC also conducts Nursery Management Seminars for Barangay Ranger Officers across the province at the PENRO Conference Hall in Laoag City. Led by EDC Burgos’ Mr. Gilbert Calapini and Mr. Jasper Ian Fernandez, these hands-on sessions offer practical training in nursery operations, equipping grassroots frontliners with the skills to protect and restore local ecosystems. The program has been recognized by Engr. Pedro S. Agcaoili Jr., Officer in Charge (OIC) of PGIN-ENRO, as a vital investment in grassroots environmental stewardship.
Tree planting remains a cornerstone of First Gen’s EDC’s work. At the Cape Bojeador Military Park in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, EDC and its partners planted 70 tree seedlings, with participation from the Philippine Marines, LGU Burgos, ENRO, and local residents. The event gathered EDC Burgos CRD team members alongside Ilocos Norte Board Member Hon. Saul Lazo, Vice Mayor Russel Garcia, Deputy Commander of the 4th Marine Brigade Col. Jose Santos, and Barangay Chairman of Bobon Kap. Tony Cañal. Together, these partners emphasized the importance of reforesting open spaces and preserving tree species for future generations.
First Gen’s EDC’s engagement with the youth is exemplified by Ecolympics Ilocos, a program featuring the Provincial Wildlife Quiz Bowl, Kantalikasan Songwriting Competition, Waste Diversion Exhibit, and Poster Making Contest, organized in partnership with PGIN-ENRO and the Department of Education (DepEd). These competitions harness the power of science, music, and art to raise environmental awareness and inspire action among students.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Deborah Melchor of EDC emphasized the importance of investing in environmental education:
“At EDC, we believe that the fight for the environment must go beyond the boundaries of the corporate world. It must be rooted in education, community engagement, and the empowerment of young people—our future stewards of the Earth. We do not just hold competitions—we create a space where the youth can shine as champions of the environment.”
Twelve schools from DepEd Ilocos Norte, DepEd Laoag, and DepEd Batac participated in the quiz bowl, with Ferdinand E. Marcos Senior High School emerging as the champion. Solsona National High School and City of Batac National High School Poblacion placed first and second runner-up, respectively. The awarding ceremony was graced by Governor-elect Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Engr. Agcaoili, and EDC employees Ms. Melchor and Ms. Goldee Ann Aquino.
Meanwhile, Kantalikasan captured hearts with original environmental songs. The winning piece, “Kitaem ti Aglawlaw Mo” (Look Around Your Environment), delivered a heartfelt message about nature protection in Ilocano, resonating strongly with the local audience.
These comprehensive efforts by EDC, in close partnership with local government units and various community stakeholders, exemplify a holistic approach to environmental management and climate action, driving both ecological restoration and heightened public awareness, which are crucial to achieving a regenerative future.
Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is First Gen Corporation’s 100% Renewable Energy (RE) subsidiary with over 1,400MW total installed capacity that accounts for almost 20% of the country’s total installed RE capacity. Its 1,169.85MW geothermal portfolio comprises 80% of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity, making the Philippines the third largest geothermal producer in the world. First Gen is the Philippines’ leading clean energy company.