A LOT has been said about the Filipino youth being the future of the nation and how they are being called now more than ever to champion environmental conservation and renewable energy.
But there are not so many opportunities for them to engage in meaningful dialogue and to learn from thought leaders.
In the province of Negros Oriental, small but sure steps are being taken to address this challenge, with the hope of creating a ripple of change for many other communities and regions across the country.
GeoSkwela is one such opportunity especially geared toward Negrense students. It is a pioneering event organized by geothermal leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to bring them closer to experts, academicians and inspirational figures who share in the advocacy of cleaner energy and sustainability.
It aims to continuously stimulate awareness, dialogue and exchange of ideas on this topic in line with Negros Oriental’s commitment to cleaner energy sources, primarily geothermal.
These individuals serve as mentors whose life and career experiences prove that sustainability is not only feasible or possible, but a way of life that is truly rewarding—not just for one’s self, but for others and the entire community.
The maiden GeoSkwela event was held at Silliman University on March 7, in support of the first-ever Renewable Energy Day on March 5 as declared in an Executive Order No. 22-18 by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Ragay Degamo.
Such proclamation is a first in the country and establishes the province as a leader in sustainability and renewable energy efforts.
Its roster of speakers includes Ryan Esolana, a homegrown youth leader and third year Foreign Affairs student from Silliman University. He has served as the Vice Chairperson for the Environment of the Silliman University Student Government dedicated to environmental causes such as watershed management and biodiversity protection.
Jeff Caranto, head of EDC’s Geosciences Division, also shared valuable information on the geothermal process and the benefits of this renewable energy source, which is touted as the cleanest and most stable.
Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong was another special guest who shared her personal and professional journey during her reign as an international beauty title holder. She underscored the importance of using one’s influence and available platforms for communication to continuously engage the public for environmental causes.
“With initiatives such as GeoSkwela, sustainability and environmental advocacy are more effectively entrenched in the grassroots level of academic communities and student bodies—ensuring that a greener and more stable energy future is a brighter prospect today more than ever,” said Norreen G. Bautista, head of EDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility Group in Negros Island.
EDC is the country’s premier renewable energy company and one of the world’s largest geothermal producers. Its geothermal facilities in Valencia, Negros Oriental has been providing clean, renewable, reliable power 24/7 to Negros Island and other parts of the Visayas region for over 36 years. (PR)