Lopez-led renewable energy (RE) leader and geothermal energy producer Energy Development Corporation (EDC) has been recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as one of its outstanding private sector partners in its goal toward strengthening technical vocational education and training (TVET) among Filipinos.
Along with the local government of Kananga in Leyte, EDC works with TESDA in running one of the most successful and impactful technical-vocational learning institutions in Eastern Visayas, the KEITECH Educational Foundation, Inc. (KEITECH).
KEITECH was established in 2009 in order to help address poverty incidence in the region, which was estimated at nearly half of its total population at that time and severely beyond the 26.5 percent rate at the national level, according to the local National Statistical Coordination Board.
EDC entered into the tripartite agreement as part of its institutionalized corporate social responsibility (CSR) thrust toward its host communities and areas of operation, with the municipality of Kananga—along with a portion of Ormoc City—being the site of its Leyte Geothermal Production Field, housing some of its most important geothermal energy production facilities.
KEITECH offers a revolutionary curriculum consisting of technical training combined with life skills and values formation that help capacitate local out-of-school youth and enhance their success at gainful employment both here and abroad in sectors such ashospitality, food and beverage services, construction, engineering and many others.
Since its establishment, KEITECH has trained over 1,200 students and has consistently held the record for 100-percent passing rate in national certification exams among its graduates, thereby making them highly in demand among employers here and abroad.
“This recognition is especially meaningful for us because it is an affirmation of our company’s exponential social investments and commitment to the welfare of the underserved sectors of society,” stated Atty. Allan V. Barcena, EDC assistant vice president and head of corporate relations and communications.