FOR a group of scholars from First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (EDC), giving back to the community can begin with something as simple as making every plastic bottle—and every shot—count.

EDC’s SIKAT Scholars Batch 2022 in Leyte recently launched Project EcoShoot, an environmental initiative that turns proper plastic bottle disposal into an engaging basketball-inspired activity at a scenic stopover along the exit road of EDC Housing Village in Brgy. Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte.

Project EcoShoot features a recycled basketball hoop fitted with a collection net where visitors can “shoot” their used plastic bottles instead of leaving them as litter. 

Advocates  

“As SIKAT scholars, we believe that being scholars is not only about receiving support from EDC, but also about be coming responsible members of the community and advocates for the environment,” said Ancient Cationg, a Batch 2022 SIKAT scholar taking up BS Development Communication at Visayas State University in Baybay City, Leyte. “We wanted to come up with an initiative that was simple, practical and engaging.” 

The scholars chose the location because it has become a popular stopover for motorists, cyclists, joggers and other visitors drawn to its views of the surrounding mountains, sunsets and city lights. As more people began frequenting the area, the scholars observed an increase in plastic bottles and other litter being left behind. 

Project EcoShoot provides visitors with a creative way to help keep the area clean while reinforcing the message behind the project: every bottle properly disposed of is a shot toward a cleaner and greener future. 

“We hope that the project can influence people’s behavior. By making proper waste disposal interactive and enjoyable, we want visitors to become more conscious of where they put their waste and to develop a greater sense of responsibility for the environment,” Cationg stressed. 

Empowering scholars 

For Jennifer Wenceslao, EDC head of corporate relations for its Leyte site, Project EcoShoot demonstrates how the SIKAT program can empower scholars beyond academics by giving them opportunities to exercise leadership and environmental stewardship. 

“It enables them to serve as authentic EDC youth ambassadors for a decarbonized, regenerative future,” Wenceslao said. “For the community, it promotes proper waste management while making environmental responsibility visible and accessible.” 

The project was led by Cationg and his fellow Batch 2022 SIKAT scholars: Edriane Papiona, Marjorie Bebanco, Juslie Gallo, Krishell Mansamad, Rica Cabalejo, Edilberto Bulawan and Richard Mark Sambilad. 

Setting an example 

“We are grateful to our Leyte SIKAT Batch 2022 scholars for setting an example with their creativity and innovation,” Wenceslao added. “Through the EcoShoot project, you have demonstrated that advocacy is more than just words—it is about motivating action and bringing change in our communities.” 

For Cationg and his fellow scholars, the project is a way of giving back to the organization that has supported their education and development. 

“EDC has inspired us to have a greater appreciation for the environment and for the communities around us, and we hope that through initiatives like this, we can also contribute to the values that EDC promotes,” he said. 

Through Project EcoShoot, the scholars envision that every bottle collected will represent more than one piece of waste kept out of the environment. They believe each “shot” can help build greater environmental awareness and encourage responsible habits among those who visit the area.

As Cationg put it: “The greatest impact of Project EcoShoot would not only be the number of bottles collected, but the environmental awareness and responsible habits that we hope to inspire in the community.” 

First Gen’s EDC SIKAT scholars gather at Project EcoShoot, an initiative of Batch 2022 that encourages responsible waste management and community participation

By Alaina Lyn De Guzman-Domingo