ORMOC CITY-First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (EDC) garnered significant recognition at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) 2024, held at the Hilton Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Organized by Enterprise Asia, this prestigious event celebrated EDC’s leadership in sustainable practices and responsible business across Asia.
The AREA awards honor organizations demonstrating outstanding achievements in corporate sustainability, social empowerment, and green leadership. EDC received multiple accolades for its impactful initiatives: Corporate Sustainability Reporting: EDC’s 2022 Integrated Report, titled “It’s Worth It’; Social Empowerment: EDC’s Baslay Coffee Farm initiative, named “Brewing a REgenerative Future;” and Green Leadership: EDC’s BINHI: 15 Years of Greening the Future.
Maria Nancy Ibuna, head of corporate relations and communications at EDC, expressed gratitude, saying, “We dedicate these recognitions to our colleagues, 121 host communities, and over 200 BINHI partners. Their collaboration has been instrumental in our continued positive impact.”
EDC’s 2022 Integrated Report, “It’s Worth It,” underscores the company’s commitment to forging pathways for a decarbonized, regenerative future through its stakeholder pentad framework and Integrated Reporting value creation model.
The Baslay Coffee Farm initiative in Negros Oriental transformed kaingineros (slash-and-burn farmers) into forest protectors and sustainable coffee farmers, rehabilitating 220 hectares and fostering community income through coffee production and cooperatives.
EDC’s BINHI program aims to conserve and propagate the Philippines’ native tree species. Over 15 years, BINHI has planted nearly seven million trees across 10,260 hectares of degraded forests, earning global recognition and partnerships for its conservation efforts.
Now in its 13th year, AREA is renowned for its rigorous evaluation process and honors businesses embodying responsible entrepreneurship across sectors.
EDC was distinguished for its innovation, measurable impact, and contributions to sustainable development goals.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
