EDC partners and stakeholders pose for a group photo that symbolizes their pledge to take an active role in forest protectionIn celebration of the International Day of Forests (IDF) on March 21, Energy Development Corporation (EDC) unveiled a BINHI native tree species arboretum at its Bacon-Manito (Bacman) facility through the Palayan Binary team and in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The launch was also done to commemorate EDC’s 46th founding anniversary.

In his message during the event, EDC Bacman head Marcel Rosario underscored the significant role of the BINHI program in communities where EDC operates and in other areas in the country.

“The positive impact BINHI has accomplished thus far was only made possible with the strong and sustained partnerships with local communities, academe, government agencies and private institutions. It provides opportunities for stakeholders to participate in reforestation and biodiversity enhancement efforts. As part of EDC’s environmental advocacy, BINHI seeks to encourage more people to join the conversation about climate change and the environment,” Rosario said.

He urged the people to contribute in simple ways to help secure the planet.

“This International Day of Forests is an opportune reminder about the importance of trees and forests and their interrelations to all the life possible on earth. As a symbol of their significance, we will plant 100 Philippine threatened native tree species here in our EDC Palayan Binary Arboretum,” he added.

In addition to having a 100% clean, renewable energy portfolio, EDC Bacman corporate relations department head Eduardo Jimenez highlighted the impact of the company’s BINHI and other tree-planting efforts.

“Through BINHI, we have restored more than 10,000 hectares of denuded forests inside our geothermal reservations and other watershed areas since we began implementing it more than 13 years ago,” said Jimenez.

He shared that the new arboretum is the latest addition to the 22 arboreta and 163 tree parks that have been established to date by EDC and its almost 200 BINHI partners.

DENR Region V regional executive director Francisco Milla Jr. lauded EDC for its continuing environmental protection and conservation efforts.

“We are very happy that EDC is our partner in attaining our mandate. We cannot accomplish this on our own and collaboration with our partners, like EDC, is crucial,” he said. (Story/Photos by: Frances Ariola)