A TOTAL of 4,644 learners in Negros Oriental are proud owners of new school supplies from geothermal leader, Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

Schoolchildren from 21 elementary and primary schools in Valencia and Sibulan are this year’s beneficiaries of the annual distribution of school supplies as part of EDC’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

Education, which is the centerpiece of EDC’s CSR program, has continuously provided support to students from the elementary to tertiary level, Negros Oriental where it has been operating its 222.5Megawatt Southern Negros Geothermal Project for over 35 years.

This year’s beneficiaries were students from Nasuji Elementary School, Puhugan Elementary School, Malaunay Elementary School, Caidiocan Elementary School, Pulangbato Elementary School, Malabo Elementary School, Dungga Primary School, Badiang Primary School, Palinpinon Elementary School, Sagbang Elementary School, Balili Elementary School, Balugo Elementary School, Vicente Villa Memorial Elementary School, Liptong Elementary School, Bongbong Elementary School, Balabag Elementary School, Inas Elementary School, Dobdob Elementary School, Valencia Central Elementary School, Bong-ao Elementary School and Calinawan Elementary School.

The company's officials and employees joined the annual giving along with Vice Mayor Romeo Alviola, District Supervisor, Dr. Rolando Pacarro, village chiefs, parents and teachers.

EDC CSR team head Norreen Bautista said: “it is priceless to see the smiles from the children when they receive our gift to them, particularly to those who basically have very little and struggle so much to attend school.”

The company’s CSR program has been recognized many times for its success and sustainability and has earned global recognition for the company among which is ranking 6th in Asia Pacific companies that professionals admire for their CSR programs./PR