SORSOGON CITY, SORSOGON – First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (EDC), in partnership with the SIKAT Alumni Association, convened its SIKAT scholars and alumni for a three-day Solidarity Building and Leadership Camp held at Melad Hotel, Sorsogon City, last July 15-17, 2025.
Serving as a crucial platform for values-based development, this annual gathering aims to strengthen solidarity, cultivate leadership skills, and deepen understanding of SIKAT values among scholars. It also empowers them as EDC youth ambassadors for a decarbonized and regenerative future. This is the 12th iteration of the SIKAT Solidarity, with this year’s theme, “Making Ways for the Youth to Lead a Regenerative Future,” bringing together 91 scholars and 10 alumni from EDC sites across the country.
“SIKAT is EDC’s banner education program which seeks to provide education opportunities to underprivileged but deserving members of Energy Development Corporation’s host communities within our areas of operations”, Maria Nancy Ibuna, head of Corporate Relations and Communications Division, said.
During its 14 years of program implementation, SIKAT has produced 190 SIKAT graduates and currently working in various line of work, including engineering, education, management, and accounting. As of 2024, 95 percent of the 190 SIKAT graduates are employed.
The first day of the camp introduced the scholars in EDC’s commitment to a regenerative future. They gained a comprehensive understanding of EDC’s operations and explored the crucial role of youth in driving sustainability. This foundational knowledge also helped build their confidence to become effective youth leaders in their schools and communities.
The scholars visited the Bac-Man Geothermal Project (BMGP) on their second day, an immersive learning experience for them where they explored the operations of EDC’s geothermal power plant. Further, they participated in a tree planting activity at the BINHI Nursery and Arboretum and explored the Bat Sanctuary as a way to foster and deepen their appreciation on the critical role of biodiversity within BMGP’s ecosystem. The site tour also covered key monitoring stations for noise, water, and air quality, highlighting environmental protection measures.
Ibuna emphasized the value of the youth as advocates for a decarbonized and regenerative future. “We hope to be able to nurture change-drivers and future leaders who will help promote and contribute to EDC’s mission of forging collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future,” Ibuna added.
The Solidarity Building and Leadership Camp culminated in teambuilding activities and talent showcase.
About the Energy Development Corporation
First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is the country’s leading 100% renewable energy producer with the core business of geothermal power, supplying 100% natural energy to the national grid. It is dedicated to championing eco-friendly energy solutions and creating a healthier planet for future generations. EDC’s current installed capacity of 1,388.8 MW accounts for nearly 17 percent of the country’s total installed renewable energy capacity, and is comprised of:
- Wind installed capacity: 150 MW
- Solar Installed Capacity: 12 MW
- Hydro Installed Capacity: 132 MW
- Geo Installed Capacity: 1,094.8 MW
List of EDC SIKAT Scholars and Alumni
| EDC Site | Scholar | Alumni |
| Bac-Man Geothermal Project (BMGP) | Mary Grace B. Doctor | Jeric Quirona Environmental Management |
| Location: Sorsogon and Albay | Course/University: Education/Sorsogon State University | Officer, Bac-Man Geothermal Project |
Northern Negros Geothermal Project (NNGP) Location: Negros Occidental | Christine Mae B. Puntal Course/University: Engineering Technology/Technological University of the Philippines Visayas | |
Southern Negros Geothermal Project (SNGP) Location: Negros Oriental | Bea Marie G. Bito-On Course/University: Pharmacy/University of the Philippines Manila | Mary Grace Tito Community Partner, Southern Negros Geothermal Project |
Tongonan Geothermal Project (TGP) Location: Leyte | Ancient M. Cationg Course/University: Chemistry/Visayas State University | Nathaniel Rene Palco |
Mt. Apo Geothermal Project (MAGP) Location: Kidapawan City, Province of Cotabato | Jenny V. Orfrecio Course/University: Mechanical Engineering/University of Southern Mindanao | |
| Burgos Wind Project (BWP) Location: Ilocos Norte | Maricar B. Langbayan Course/University: Accountancy/Mariano Marcos State University |