Niño Gibe details the accomplishments of the AFoCO/040 project (left photo) and participates in a panel discussion during the ATW (right photo)

FIRST Gen-Energy Development Corporation (EDC) was recently recognized for its exemplary reforestation program during the Technical Workshop (ATW) of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO).

First Gen-EDC’s exceptional performance report bested projects from 15 other Asian member-countries and states during the conference. The company was also honored with the Best Photo Award in the 2nd ATW Photo Exhibit. Since the project’s inception in 2023, First Gen-EDC has successfully secured a grant worth $292,640 from the partnership.

“We welcome this recognition as an affirmation of the level of excellence and dedication we undertake in our BINHI program ever since its inception way back in 2008,” said Niño Gibe, First Gen-EDC corporate relations head. “Most importantly, it is a manifestation of our continuing commitment to our Lopez Group mission of forging collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future—partnering with like-minded organizations and peers in the regional and global arena to effect much-needed nature-based solutions and climate action.”

Launched in July 2023, the First Gen-EDC, AFoCO and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) partnership has reforested 100 hectares of land using Philip pine threatened and endemic tree species (PTEs) in First Gen-EDC’s Bacon-Manito geothermal site in Bicol, with corresponding capacity-building for the local Alliance of Bacman Farmers Association Inc. cooperative to help in forest maintenance and protection.

Additionally, the two-hectare First Gen-EDC AFoCO BINHI Arboretum has been successfully established in barangays Cabocongan and Inang Maharang within the Bacman site.  The project also enhanced the database of native and threatened species found in the Bicol region and developed 10 new documented propagation protocols, which are featured in the publication “Snapshots of Selected Native & Threatened Trees of Bicol Region Philippines”

Remaining project components include the development of policy recommendations for public-private partnership models in forest restoration and knowledge-sharing sessions through PTEs with representatives from First Gen-EDC, AFoCO and the DENR.

Story By Monique Lugartos