The EDC team and their partners during the turnover of the plastic drums to BREASCEnergy Development Corporation (EDC) celebrated Geothermal Day in the province of Sorsogon through a tree-planting activity and donation of materials to Buhatan River Eco Adventure Service Cooperative (BREASC).

The company donated 50 native tree seedlings and initiated a tree-planting activity at the bank of Buhatan River as part of BINHI. Buhatan River Warriors, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Sorsogon and BREASC officers, and EDC representatives participated in the activity.

EDC has reforested over 1,500 hectares within the Bacon-Manito Geothermal Project reservation apart from producing mother trees after a decade of implementing BINHI in the area.

The geothermal leader also provided material assistance to BREASC in the form of plastic drums to be used in the construction of cabanas. The items were handed over by Eduardo Jimenez, EDC’s corporate social responsibility department head in Bacman.

In his speech during the program, Jimenez reiterated EDC’s support for the projects of the cooperative.

“Rest assured that EDC will continue to earn your trust as a steadfast partner as we build a strong and lasting ecotourism recovery. We would also like to recognize our valuable partners for having shared values and goals to keep growing our forests to sustain our geothermal reservoir,” he said.

Elsa Lagamayo-Malecki, chairman of the board of directors of BREASC, conveyed the cooperative’s appreciation to EDC for the company’s response to their request, and PENRO Sorsogon’s Engr. Maribeth Fruto highlighted the need to implement environmental protection and conservation activities while boosting the tourism sector.

Buhatan River Eco Adventure is one of several initiatives of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.- Bantay Kalikasan. Through the years, Bantay Kalikasan has implemented various activities addressing specific environmental issues in the country. (Story/Photos by: Frances Ariola)