FOR 22-year-old Airen Morte, higher education was a luxury that families from the upland communities in Negros Oriental could not afford. More so for Morte, who, soon to graduate from the Negros Oriental State University, was pressured by the financial strain a college education would bring on their family.

“I was an only child and both my parents were working, so they managed to send me to school and I did not worry too much about household expenses,” Morte said in an interview.

Her father, who has been a maintenance personnel member at Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) Negros facility for over 20 years, had graduated from elementary. Her mother had finished high school; however, she lost her battle with cancer during the COVID pandemic.

Morte suddenly felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. But, sometimes, opportunities come by through friends and family. In her case, it was through her cousin, Friendly, a barangay secretary who informed her of a schol arship program run by EDC. SIKAT, the banner education program of First Genowned EDC, invests in education that empowers underprivileged youth from its host communities and fosters community-driven change.

Digital shift

By the time the business administration student had gotten wind of the SIKAT scholarship, the deadline was only a week away. But she managed to complete her documentary requirements amidst COVID and passed the initial stage.

She moved on to the interview stage, but was unable to proceed due to the sudden shift to digital platforms as well as connectivity issues.

Grace Tito, EDC’s community partner in Negros, noted that the team was trying to figure out how to best deliver scholarships during an uncertain time. The shift to digital highlighted the importance of accessibility for inclusive development, a situation mirrored across the country during the pandemic.

EDC responded with the provision of laptops and WiFi access to its scholars to ensure that they can keep up with their online learning.

Morte was lucky. The stars aligned for her.

With her degree in business administration within reach, Morte reflected on her journey as a SIKAT scholar during the EDC-organized graduation ceremony in July.

“EDC has always been part of my education. When I was in elementary school, I was once a child na abot-tenga ang ngiti kapag dumarating na ang van ng EDC sa school namin para mamigay ng school supplies at pagkain. In high school, I was also a beneficiary of EDC’s supplemental educational assistance. And what a privilege it is to be accepted as one of EDC’s Negros SIKAT scholars when I reached college.”

‘Full circle’ moment

As a scholar, Morte has experienced her “full circle” moment—being the one in the white van distributing school supplies alongside EDC personnel.

“It may seem small to others, but it is truly momentous for me. I want to express my ultimate thanks to the SIKAT program of EDC, where someone like me can dream bigger and focus on my education without the constant weight of worry. You opened doors for me that once felt entirely out of reach,” Morte said in her speech during the SIKAT career readiness and graduation ceremony.

The two-day program is an annual culminating activity that equips SIKAT participants with essential workplace skills while celebrating their achievements alongside their families.This year, EDC Negros (Southern Negros and Northern Negros) produced a total of nine graduates, with two magna cum laudes.

Last year, EDC’s total investment in the SIKAT program amounted to P44 million—the scope of which included the provision of scholarship grants to eligible scholars, mentoring support, engagement initiatives and career placement assistance. The amount supported 591 scholars and beneficiaries across EDC’s project sites, making tertiary quality education and technical-vocational training accessible to disadvantaged youth and members of the community.

Beyond the scholarships, EDC’s legacy in education continues through numbers and the stories of its scholars. This year, its adopt-a-school program has also reached 5,099 learners from 19 partner elementary schools in the Negros Island Region.

L-R: Niño Gibe, head of CSR (head office); Erwin Magallanes, Negros corporate relations department head; Airen
Morte, SIKAT scholar; Roberto Morte, parent; Unisimo Villamil, barangay chairman; Engr. Francisco Bad-an, Negros
area control center head; and Albert Tubal, municipal administrator of Valencia

By Apa Feliciano