KCFI and EDC Partner to Champion Biodiversity Conservation Among Learners

By Angelo Dela Cruz

PASIG CITY, Philippines - The Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) and Energy Development Corporation (EDC) officially entered into a partnership to develop an educational awareness campaign for EDC’s Flagship Species Initiative (FSI), a biodiversity conservation program under EDC’s BINHI program. The official Terms of Reference (TOR) signing took place at Rockwell Business Center Tower 3 on March 24, 2025.

Signing the TOR on behalf of EDC were Atty. Allan V. Barcena, Assistant Vice President and Head of Corporate Support Function, and Ronino C. Gibe, Head of Corporate Relations – Head Office. Representing KCFI were Rina Lopez, President and Executive Director, and Edric C. Calma, Vice President.

Through this partnership, KCFI will produce educational media content to raise awareness on the protection of the country’s threatened native flora and fauna. This includes two long-form 10–15-minute video lessons and nine short-form animated clips which will be distributed across on-air, online, and offline platforms. These materials aim to highlight the importance of biodiversity, the role of flagship species in maintaining ecological balance, and EDC’s conservation efforts.

“Today signifies not just a step forward in our partnership, but a leap in our collective quest to promote biodiversity conservation,” said Rina Lopez, KCFI President and Executive Director. “At KCFI, we believe in the power of education to drive meaningful change, and we are excited to collaborate with EDC in protecting our country’s natural heritage.”

EDC, the country’s leading 100% renewable energy company, launched the Flagship Species Initiative (FSI) as part of its advocacy for regenerative development. FSI focuses on protecting threatened Philippine tree and animal species across EDC’s geothermal and wind project sites. As part of BINHI, EDC’s nationwide forest restoration program, FSI reinforces efforts to restore degraded forests, conserve native tree species, and protect biodiversity. BINHI also works to mainstream the use of Philippine native trees in reforestation efforts, ensuring long-term ecological balance and sustainability. Since its inception in 2008, BINHI has restored over 10,000 hectares of forestland with the support of 88 forest communities.

Atty. Allan V. Barcena, EDC’s Assistant Vice President and Head of Corporate Support Function, emphasized the significance of collaboration in protecting endangered species. “Through EDC’s Flagship Species Initiative, we are actively working to restore habitats, raise awareness about conservation, and engage local communities to secure the future of our country’s threatened wildlife,” Barcena said. “With KCFI’s support, we can ensure that species like the Visayan Tarictic Hornbill and the Apo Myna continue to thrive in their native landscapes for generations to come.”

This initiative reinforces KCFI and EDC’s shared commitment to education and environmental sustainability, ensuring that future generations understand the vital role of biodiversity in a thriving planet.

To learn more about Energy Development Corporation’s BINHI program, visit binhi.ph