Lopez-owned geothermal leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC) was recently chosen as the National Occupational Safety and Health Champion at the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) 11th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) Awarding.

The recognition was given to EDC’s 108-megawatt Mount Apo Geothermal Project (MAGP) for the exemplary implementation of its safety and health programs and its promotion of occupational safety and health (OSH) toward zero accidents in the workplace.

Located in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, MAGP’s Health, Safety, and Environment Officer (HSE) Engr. Joel Handugan and Eduardo Morales Jr., Head of MAGP HSE Department both won a National Silver Award in the individual category for their significant accomplishments and contributions to MAGP’s OSH initiatives.

“We are deeply honored to receive these awards that recognize our painstaking efforts to maintain a safe and healthy environment not only for all employees of EDC but also for all our stakeholders in our areas of operation,” said Morales.

Since 1991, DOLE has been giving the GKK award to establishments and individuals with commendable safety practices in the workplace and in the community. The 11th GKK awarding was attended by DOLE Secretary Silvestro Bello III, together with the other members of the Board of Judges, namely: Joji V. Aragon, DOLE OIC–Undersecretary; Noel C. Binag, Executive Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC); and Edgardo G. Lacson, Chairman of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

EDC is a global pioneer in the geothermal energy industry and the world’s largest vertically integrated geothermal developer, generating 1,457.8 megawatts of clean, stable and truly sustainable energy for the country.