The Energy Development Corporation (EDC), together with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), formally signs a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Eastern Visayas State University-Burauen Campus (EVSU-BC) for the BINHI Arboretum Project promoting sustainable growth in ecological environment and academia, signed on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at EVSU-BC Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) Hall.

The collaborative efforts of EVSU-BC, PEF, and EDC to preserve the environment and enrich education are demonstrated by this project, which intends to establish a native tree arboretum in order to promote environmental stewardship and biodiversity protection. An arboretum is a botanical garden specializing in trees where shrubs and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes.

The activity commenced with the planting of habitat trees on the campus grounds, along with the EDC and PEF team, Dr. Munir Virani, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, Dr. Dennis De Paz, EVSU University President, and faculty and staff led by the Campus Director, Dr. Renato E. Martija.

Subsequently, Forester Erwin B. Magallanes, EDC Head of Corporate Relations, gave an overview of the BINHI program, emphasizing that their wide partnership across sectors helps ECD achieve its goals and purposes.

“Kaya kami, sa EDC, ito ang lagi naming tinatandaan, ‘our return investment is the future generation.’ Protecting the environment has always been one of the top priorities of EDC… EDC is a challenging position and a privilege position to make a positive impact for the conservation of protection of the Philippines… We worked with partners from across different sectors, ensuring comprehensive and integrating approach to forest preservation that creates value for the environment, communities, and the business,” said Forester Magallanes.

Moreover, a message of commitment coming from two equally important guests was delivered consecutively by the PEF Executive Director, Mr. Dennis Salvador, and Dr. Dennis De Paz, EVSU University President.

“Today’s signing ceremony marks the beginning of our concerted effort to achieve these goals. Our partnership underscores the vital role of collaboration between the private business sector, civil society, and academe in promoting environmental sustainability… We are deeply committed to engage in the local community’s conservation effort and raising awareness in preserving the country’s national heritage,” Mr. Salvador stated.

“It is with immense pride and honor that we of the Eastern Visayas State University-Burauen Campus join hands with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) on this significant project, the BINHI Arboretum. We at EVSU pledge our full support and resources to ensure the success and sustainability of the BINHI Arboretum. So together with our partners on board, we look forward to the growth of this remarkable endeavor,” Dr. De Paz expressed.

The presentation of the MOA Overview was initiated by Prof. Mae Anne M. Villarosa, BSEd Science Research Coordinator, who presented the terms and conditions written in the memorandum for the establishment and operation of the project.

This signing of Memorandum of Agreement marks the official beginning of this partnership and a coordinated endeavor to accomplish these goals for the benefit of the environment and future generations.

Further, Dr. Munir Virani, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, gives a keynote address on biodiversity conservation, addressing the cases of species that are seen as rare and endangered, and one of those was the Philippine Eagle.

“I am looking forward to seeing the two eagles released tomorrow because that is a historic moment for this country. It’s the very first time that birds are going to move from their stronghold in Mindanao to a new island in Leyte, so it’s very historic. The Philippine Eagle is your national bird, and you have to take great pride in that. The people of Leyte have a great responsibility to make sure that this project is a success,” Dr. Virani shared in an interview with the staffers.

In closing, Campus Director of EVSU-BC, Dr. Renato E. Martija, conveyed his gratitude to the parties who participated in the said ceremony and who also shared the same vision of promoting the project for sustainable development.

“This project embodies our shared values and our unwavering dedication for making a positive impact… We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our partners who have made this project possible and be sustained… Together, we have planted the seeds of hope, growth, and sustainability. Together, we will be making a difference,” Dr. Martija expressed.

Writer: R. Balano

Photographer: A.E. Flores, R.M. Rebucas

Editor: G. Paza