The CAREERS camp underscored the importance of advocating for the environmentScholars of Energy Development Corporation (EDC), through its College Admission Review and Readiness (CAREERS) program, are a testament to how education is the key to opening doors to opportunities.

Top performing students from partner schools in EDC’s geothermal sites in Albay, Sorsogon, Leyte, Negros Island and Kidapawan are invited to the CAREERS program. They are enrolled in different University of the Philippines campuses and local state universities and colleges. In addition to the financial support they receive, the scholars attend skills-building workshops that aim to transform them into youth leaders and advocates for the environment.

One of these is the annual CAREERS Solidarity Building and Leadership Camp. This year’s camp, themed “Infinite Capabilities,” was held in Dumaguete City in July.

At the camp, the scholars were acquainted with how a geothermal power plant works and how it is the best source of clean energy through a site visit to EDC’s 112.5-megawatt Palinpinon-1 Geothermal Power Plant in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

Meanwhile, Jay Soriano, EDC Negros Island Geothermal Business Unit head, said a renewable energy ambassador and leader must be a good communicator, know how to collaborate with others, have integrity, and be creative and innovative. To help develop these qualities, the scholars were divided into groups and given on physical tasks that challenged their communication, collaboration, innovation and integrity.

To prepare for their roles as renewable energy advocates, each team also came up with a commitment plan aimed at spreading awareness of climate change and how the youth can contribute to saving the environment. The winning plan will be implemented by the CAREERS scholars. (Story/Photos by: Kreeshia Share)