Sparking Regeneration through Sports: EDC Supports DepEd Ilocos Norte on Palarong Pambansa 2025

Handover of 500 sleeping bags by EDC representatives Deborah Sabarre-Melchor (2nd from the left) and Goldee Ann Aquino (in the middle), Chief Education Supervisor – Schools Division of Ilocos Norte Lloyd Rosquita, EdD (3rd from the left), San Nicolas Elementary School Principal Orlando Pascua (leftmost), and school personnel (the rest).
Ilocos Norte, Philippines – In support of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s hosting of Palarong Pambansa 2025, First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (EDC) donated 500 sleeping bags and installed multiple water stations to help ensure the safety and comfort of athletes and participants during the national sporting event.

The initiative commenced preparations on April 30 with the formal handover of 500 sleeping bags to DepEd Ilocos Norte, held at San Nicolas Elementary School, and culminated in a ceremonial turnover on May 23 at the same venue. These beddings were distributed for use in billeting quarters housing student-athletes and delegates from across the country.

Following this, from May 24 to May 30, EDC installed water stations throughout the province to support hydration needs during the Palarong Pambansa Opening Parade and related activities.

Ceremonial turnover of donations attended by Malcolm Garma – DepEd OIC-Undersecretary for Operations (left), Deborah Sabarre-Melchor – EDC CRD Site Lead (middle), and Dexter Galban – DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations (right). 
The installed water stations for the athletes and event participants.

More than a gesture of assistance, this initiative reflects EDC’s mission for a regenerative future. By contributing to events like Palarong Pambansa, EDC not only supports grassroots development but also reinforces its dedication to building resilient communities in harmony with the environment.

“We are proud to contribute to the Palarong Pambansa 2025 and to the dedicated student-athletes who embody the spirit of excellence and perseverance,” said by EDC’s Corporate Relations Lead for Ilocos Norte, Deborah Sabarre-Melchor, “Through this initiative, we help strengthen community ties while advancing our shared goal of a regenerative future, which reflects our ongoing advocacy to promote health, well-being, and resilience in the communities we serve.”

The donation is part of EDC’s broader corporate social responsibility efforts that champion education, disaster readiness, and environmental sustainability.

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.