EDC, represented by corporate support functions head Regina Victoria Pascual (upper right) and CSR head Atty. Allan Barcena (bottom left), show the signed copy of the memorandum of agreement with PCSD, headed by executive director Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta and project development officer Levita LagradaEnergy Development Corporation (EDC) in collaboration with its newest BINHI partner, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), aims to rescue and propagate more Philippine native tree species endemic to Palawan island.

With the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the two institutions, more endangered tree species endemic to Palawan island that are on the brink of extinction are targeted to be rescued and propagated through the in-situ conservation project under the BINHI program.

The BINHI team aims to rescue and propagate Palawan narig, narig laot and 12 other Palawan-endemic tree species identified to be critically endangered and near extinction. The team shall provide technical assistance and expertise to PCSD during the implementation of the project.

EDC Corporate Support Functions head and assistant vice president Regina Victoria Pascual said the expanded list of tree species identified was the product of the sustained and extended partnership of EDC with Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) for the Global Tree Assessment (GTA) project. BGCI is the secretariat of the IUCN—an organization that formulates measures for the protection of the environment through data gathering, research, field projects, advocacy and education—for the GTA.

“EDC has long been an advocate of a greener environment. Our commitment to protect and nurture the environment stepped up even further as we recognize that doing less harm is not enough. We need to step up our game and be the catalyst for change towards a regenerative and decarbonized future,” Pascual said during the virtual MOA signing ceremony held via Zoom.

PCSD will identify possible locations of Palawan threatened tree species and prioritize these in any national greening program or conservation efforts. It will coordinate with EDC for the possible establishment of an arboretum or tree park for the ex-situ conservation of the tree species.

“There are many things to be done and there are restrictions brought about by the pandemic that will limit our actions, but we will pursue and work hard to implement this project,” said Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta, PCSD executive director. (Story/Photos by: Frances Ariola)