Media Release
September 09, 2022
Lopez-led renewable energy leader and geothermal energy producer Energy Development Corporation (EDC) has been recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as one of its outstanding private sector partners in its goal of strengthening technical vocational education and training (TVET) among Filipinos.
EDC is among this year’s recipients of TESDA’s annual Kabalikat Awards, which also recognizes partners in other sectors such as local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and other local and international companies and organizations.
Along with the local government of Kananga in Leyte, EDC works with TESDA in running one of the most successful and impactful technical-vocational learning institutions in Eastern Visayas, the Keitech Educational Foundation, Inc. (KEITECH).
KEITECH was established in 2009 in order to help address poverty incidence in the region, which was estimated at nearly half of its total population at that time and severely beyond the 26.5 percent rate at the national level, according to the local National Statistical Coordination Board.
EDC entered into the tripartite agreement as part of its institutionalized corporate social responsibility (CSR) thrust toward its host communities and areas of operation, with the municipality of Kananga—along with a portion of Ormoc City—being the site of its Leyte Geothermal Production Field, housing some of its most important geothermal energy production facilities.
KEITECH offers a revolutionary curriculum consisting of technical training combined with life skills and values formation that help capacitate local out-of-school youth and enhance their success at gainful employment both here and abroad in sectors such as hospitality, food and beverage services, construction, engineering, and many others.
Since its establishment, KEITECH has trained over 1,200 students and consistently held the record for a 100-percent passing rate in national certification exams among its graduates, making them highly in demand among employers here and abroad.
“This recognition is especially meaningful for us because it is an affirmation of our company’s exponential social investments and commitment to the welfare of the underserved sectors of society,” stated Atty. Allan V. Barcena, EDC assistant vice president and head of corporate relations and communications.
“Apart from propagating green energy, another dimension of our mission to achieve a regenerative future is uplifting the lives of our stakeholders. KEITECH is one of the most prime examples of empowering the youth through values-driven technical-vocational skills, for them to gain rewarding livelihood and employment that changes their lives for the better,” he added.
Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is First Gen Corporation’s 100% RE subsidiary with over 1,480MW total installed capacity that accounts for 19% of the country’s total installed RE capacity. Its 1,188MW geothermal portfolio comprises 62% of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity and is the 3rd largest geothermal producer in the world.
