Ninety-one (91) scholars and ten (10) alumni from across the Philippines came together in Sorsogon City for the annual SIKAT Solidarity Building and Leadership Camp last July 15-17, a vibrant gathering organized by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the SIKAT Alumni Association.
Now in its 18th year, the camp converged under the theme “Making Ways for the Youth to Lead a Regenerative Future,” reflecting EDC’s commitment to nurturing young leaders who are ready to champion sustainability and drive positive change in their communities.
The SIKAT Solidarity gathering serves as a pivotal platform for values-driven growth, fostering unity, leadership, and a profound understanding of SIKAT principles among scholars. This year, the event empowered scholars as EDC youth ambassadors, equipping them to champion a decarbonized and regenerative future.
“So basically, it’s like preparing them for the future because we see them as future change drivers and future leaders, not only in their community, but also in the country,” said Maria Nancy Ibuna, head of Corporate Relations and Communications.
Throughout the camp, scholars embraced their critical role in shaping a regenerative future while gaining firsthand experience during a visit to the Bac-Man Geothermal Project (BGMP). This immersive opportunity deepened their appreciation for EDC’s geothermal power plant operations, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable energy initiatives.
“We also want them to be familiarized with the operations of the company so that they can also be the multipliers in sharing the advocacy of the company,” Ibuna added.
The camp’s experiential learning extended beyond the plant visit, featuring hands-on environmental activities such as tree planting at the BINHI Nursery and Arboretum, and an exploration of the Bat Sanctuary. These engagements instilled a deep respect for biodiversity and highlighted its vital role within the BMGP ecosystem.
A comprehensive site tour further underscored EDC’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship by showcasing key monitoring stations for noise, water, and air quality.
As the country’s pioneering and largest renewable energy producer, EDC leads with geothermal power, delivering 100% natural energy to the national grid. Its esteemed SIKAT scholarship program champions eco-friendly energy solutions while nurturing a healthier planet for generations to come.
SIKAT’s support extends far beyond financial aid. The program fosters holistic scholar development through personality-building, social programs, mentorship, career guidance, and board exam review sessions, preparing scholars to excel in their careers. Upon graduation, SIKAT facilitates job placement by connecting scholars with opportunities within EDC and the wider private and public sectors.
According to Ibuna, EDC’s scholarship program goes beyond providing education; it supports dreams, empowers families, uplifts communities, and boldly champions a decarbonized and regenerative future.
“We help our scholars uplift their families and give back to the community,” Ibuna emphasized.
Many high school graduates in EDC’s host communities face barriers to college access, a challenge that inspired the establishment of the scholarship program. Designed to empower deserving but underprivileged youth, the initiative enables scholars to support their families and positively impact their communities.
The selection process prioritizes applicants from host communities like Kidapawan City and Barangay Ilumadis in Mt. Apo. Applicants must meet economic and academic criteria before undergoing an interview and final selection.
EDC partners closely with local government units (LGUs) to promote scholarship opportunities in host communities. To prepare scholars for the workforce, EDC offers training in interview skills and job expectations during their senior year or earlier.
Following graduation, EDC links scholars with potential employers aligned with their fields of study and continues to monitor their career progress.
Alumni Leading the Way
Grace Tito, an alumna of the SIKAT scholarship program and current community partner managing the Southern Negros Geothermal Project (SNGP), expressed heartfelt gratitude for the life-changing opportunity EDC provided.
“Not only did EDC empower me to achieve my dreams and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, but it also offered me a three-year tenure as an employee, allowing me to give back to my community,” she shared.
Driven to pay it forward, Tito now leads the scholarship program in Southern Negros, inspiring youth to realize their aspirations and become positive influences within their communities and peers.
EDC operates five key sites across the Philippines: Bac-Man Geothermal Project (BGMP) in Sorsogon City, Northern Negros Geothermal Project (NNGP) in Northern Negros, Southern Negros Geothermal Project (SNGP) in Southern Negros, Mt. Apo Geothermal Project (MAGP) in Mt. Apo, and Burgos Wind Project (BWP) in Burgos.I Hannah Franchezka Boragay