An employee waits to get his first shot during the kickoff inoculation at the EDC headquarters in Pasig CityEnergy Development Corporation (EDC) has kicked off its COVID-19 vaccination program for its workforce of nearly 1,500 and their dependents across the country to help keep them safe and support the government’s aim of achieving herd immunity against the virus.

“We are one with the government in its goal to protect all Filipinos against the COVID-19 virus. As part of our support to the national vaccination program, we procured vaccines for our employees and their dependents through multiparty agreements in partnership with the Philippine government. We also urged and encouraged our employees through a series of health dialogues with our medical experts, even before the arrival of the vaccines, to ease their worries and help them decide to get vaccinated,” said Atty. Allan Barcena, EDC head of corporate social responsibility and public relations.

EDC piloted its vaccination in its Pasig City head office on July 24. It was soon followed by the inoculation of employees in its geothermal sites in Leyte and Negros, while its Bicol, Kidapawan City and Ilocos Norte workforce received their first dose in early August.

The company expects to complete its vaccination program within the fourth quarter of this year. EDC’s vaccination administration is being done by its partners from AC Health and Reliance United.

EDC gave employees the opportunity to have their dependents inoculated under its vaccination program as part of its commitment to help keep their families safe. More than 3,600 dependents across all sites were listed in the program.

Beyond producing clean and renewable sources of power, EDC’s top priority is the safety of its employees.

“Safety is our culture in EDC. While we value producing that much needed power for our country, especially during this pandemic, we always make sure that our workforce is safe. Having our employees vaccinated against COVID-19 is one step closer to our country’s way to recovery,” Barcena said. (Story/Photos by: Frances Ariola)