Ilocos Norte, Philippines – For First Gen owned-Energy Development Corporation (EDC), building a regenerative future goes beyond producing clean, renewable energy. It also means empowering communities and investing in the country’s most important resource—the youth. Through a combination of education support, community partnerships, and values-driven leadership training, EDC continues to plant the seeds of learning and stewardship that will grow into lasting change.
One way EDC strengthens its host communities is by helping create safe and inspiring spaces for students. In partnership with the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program, EDC donated funds for cleaning materials to 14 public schools in Ilocos Norte. This contribution was more than just an act of generosity, it was a recognition of how vital a clean and well-maintained classroom is to a child’s ability to learn. Brigada Eskwela, rooted in the Filipino spirit of “bayanihan”, brings together parents, teachers, civic groups, and private partners to prepare schools for a new school year. EDC’s support helps ensure that learners step into classrooms that are not only clean, but also welcoming and conducive to growth.
But EDC’s care doesn’t stop at the classroom door. To help young students attend school more comfortably, the company also distributed school bags and raincoats to kindergarten up to 3rd grade school learners across 10 elementary schools in Burgos. For families in far-flung communities, these small essentials make a big difference, keeping children safe, dry, and motivated to continue their studies.
Beyond providing resources, EDC also shapes future leaders through its banner education program, SIKAT. Where scholars are not only supported academically but are also given opportunities to deepen their sense of purpose and responsibility to society and the environment. In one of their formative experiences, 9 SIKAT scholars of the Burgos site joined a three-day Solidarity Building and Leadership Camp that combined leadership training with hands-on exposure to environmental stewardship. The camp included a visit to EDC’s Bac-Man Geothermal Project, where scholars learned about the country’s clean energy journey; a tree-growing activity at the BINHI nursery; and an eye-opening tour of a bat sanctuary to understand biodiversity’s critical role for a decarbonized and regenerative future.
Through these efforts, EDC demonstrates that education is not only about books and classrooms but it’s also about nurturing character, instilling values, and connecting the next generation to a larger mission of caring for the planet. By supporting schools, providing basic needs, and empowering scholars to become sustainability leaders, EDC is helping shape communities where both people and nature can thrive.
EDC’s commitment reflects one simple but powerful belief: when we invest in children and the communities they grow up in, we are also investing in the future of the Philippines. A future ignited with a spark of genius evolving students to be significant contributors to our nation someday.
Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is First Gen Corporation’s 100% Renewable Energy (RE) subsidiary with 1,388.8MW total installed capacity that accounts for 17% of the country’s total installed RE capacity. Its 1,094.80MW geothermal portfolio comprises 56% 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.