Press Release
Oct 31, 2022
First Gen-owned renewable energy provider Energy Development Corporation (EDC) honors the exemplary performance of ten of Ilocos Norte’s teachers at the first-ever Bannuar Awards Ceremony held at the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte through the Provincial Education Office in partnership with the EDC Burgos Wind Power Corporation (EBWPC), the Bannuar Award is an annual service award that recognizes the excellent performance and commendable contributions of teachers from public and private schools in the province.
“We at the Energy Development Corporation always believe in the power of the youth to transform, make positive changes, and contribute to a better society. Fueled by this belief, we constantly look for partners to collaborate with to help our SIKAT scholars secure a regenerative future,” said Regina Victoria Pascual, Vice President and Head of EDC’s Corporate Support Functions. EDC’s own banner education program, SIKAT, transforms Filipino youth into future change drivers by providing scholarships and resources necessary for quality education.
Pascual further noted, “We developed the SIKAT program for the students. We are now conducting this recognition ceremony for our dear teachers. The Bannuar Awards was made possible in partnership with the Department of Education and other organizations to put the experts in the academe in the spotlight and show appreciation for their tireless efforts as drivers of change to our students.”
“We are grateful for this opportunity to be a part of this initiative to recognize our hard-working teachers who go above and beyond their call of duty,” said Andy T. Durog, Head of EBWPC. “As we continue to strongly advocate for the shift to clean, renewable energy, we believe that education plays a vital role in equipping our future generations with the skills and knowledge to become champions of the environment,” he added.
In a speech delivered by Mrs. Cecile A. Gabbac, the top Bannuar Awardee 2022, she expressed her appreciation to the organizers and committed to being a staunch advocate of environmental protection.
“As BANNUAR awardees, we will hand in hand promote these noble causes in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and Energy Development Corporation. One of which is participating in their flagship reforestation program called BINHI, which aims to promote native and endemic trees in Northern Luzon. We will intensify Environmental Awareness by being a role model in preserving Mother Earth not only in the school but in the entire community,” Gabbac said.
The 10 Bannuar awardees or the top outstanding teachers of Ilocos Norte are as follows:
| Cecile A. Gabbac | Dingras NHS, Dingras |
| Zyrillana Pauline D. Pe Benito | Bingao NHS, San Nicolas |
| Geraldine O. Lao-At | Cumcumraas-Manggaddi- Pitpitac Elem. School, Batac City |
| Marco Felino C. Macaspac | Bingao NHS, San Nicolas |
| Aiken Jay T. Respicio | Catalino Acosta Memorial ES, Batac City |
| Jenifer B. Balisacan | Sarrat NHS, Sarrat |
| Joel P. Saladino | Bamasesamar NHS, Dingras |
| Farida May M. Alejandro | Lagandit ES, Piddig |
| Myan April M. Fernandez | Wilbur C. Go ES, Currimao |
| Lucky Nestor A. De San Juan | Cadaratan NHS, Bacarra |
EDC is the largest pure renewable energy company in the Philippines, operating 1,185.40 MW of geothermal, 150 MW of wind, 133 MW of hydroelectric power, and 11.99 MW of solar power plants— for a total of 1,480 MW of clean and renewable energy. Recognized as a world leader in geothermal technology, the Company operates in various locations in the Philippines, including in Bicol, Leyte, Negros Island, and Mindanao. EDC, through its subsidiaries, also operates the biggest combined wind and solar farm in the region, located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and substantial hydropower assets located in Nueva Ecija.
