Energy Development Corporation (EDC) recognized 200 awardees who have been employees of the company for at least 10 years in its virtual service awards and employee recognition ceremonies.

Now on its 45th year of generating 100% renewable energy (RE), EDC also awarded over 40 individuals and groups that have received external recognitions.

In its blast-from-the-pastthemed “EDC Rocks” virtual celebration, the company honored employees who rock in championing their commitment to excellence as they help EDC fulfill its mission to forge collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future and maintain its stature as the country’s largest 100% RE producer amidst the COVID19 pandemic.

Overwhelming support

According to EDC president and COO Richard Tantoco, the blessings outweigh the challenges and losses from the crisis as the company continues to receive overwhelming support for its regenerative mission. He expressed his gratitude to the employees for their efforts, agility and dedication even while dealing with their personal pandemic-related challenges, which all make them the company’s rock stars.

“I’m especially happy because we collectively share a purpose and continue to find ways to elevate each other, our environment and our stakeholders during this pandemic. These external awards and major achievements of both teams and individuals that we recognize today are some of the shining examples of what each of us has done during the pandemic,” he shared, further highlighting hope as they navigate this tough time and prepare for the recovery to come.

For Samuel Ramirez, one of the awardees from Leyte Facility Operations and Maintenance, the hardships that he braved in his 30 years of service strengthened his character. He shared that the harmonious relationship between management and employees helps lighten his load and paves the way for his continued success.

“I’d like to thank EDC for giving me the opportunity to serve the company for 30 years despite so many challenges—work-related and even family-related trials. If you ask me why I stayed with EDC, I only have one answer: EDC makes me a real man and turns my dreams into reality,” he said.

Celebration of life

Among EDC’s achievers from 2020-2021 who were recognized were individuals and teams that won external awards from award-giving bodies here and abroad for their exemplary performance in communications, occupational safety, environmental protection, conservation and management.

These include the Safety and Health Association of the Philippines Energy Sector (SHAPES) Outstanding Safety and Health Professionals, Gawad Tugas, ACES Awards, DOLE’s safety seal certification program, Anvil Awards and Philippine Quill Awards.

Bo Sanchez gave an inspirational message on the importance of gratitude to achieve happiness, while the JAM 403 band and Juris graced the event to entertain the awardees and their families. It was capped off with a special tribute to the two awardees and one organizing team member that EDC lost to COVID-19. This celebration of life and milestones is the company’s way of appreciating the hard work and innovative contributions of their workforce that will live on for years to come.

Beth Nasol, EDC Human Resources Management Group senior vice president, referred to the awardees as the strong foundation of their organization, hence the term “EDC Rocks.” She encouraged the employees and leaders to “keep on rocking” amidst any circumstances. (Story/Photos by: Frances Ariola)