EDC BINHI and members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines planted a total of 60 various native and endemic tree species at the country’s cultural and heritage theme park in Parañaque.
Manila, Philippines – Fifty Rover Scouts and Boy Scouts of the Philippines officials have elevated their community service by participating in a Native Tree 101 workshop and tree growing activity at The Grove at Nayong Pilipino through First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation’s BINHI Program.
The activity, graced by Atty. Cedric Train, Secretary General of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, began with a Native Tree 101 session that highlighted the vital role of forests in maintaining ecosystem balance and providing essential services, such as clean air, water, and climate regulation. Scouts learned to distinguish among endemic, indigenous, and exotic tree species, emphasizing the principle of site-species matching for successful forest restoration.
The guided walkthrough of the Arboretum allowed participants to encounter iconic native species up close— the country’s national tree, Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), the flower of the Malakatmon (Dillenia luzoniensis), and the so-called “Iron Tree”, Mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus), one of the Philippines’ hardest woods. The session combined education and engagement, sparking curiosity as Scouts sang Ebony and Ivory to highlight the Ebony (Diospyros ferrea). The tour also had a special moment for one group of Scouts, who saw the Yakal species, which was their class name.
Forester Rich Paul Cosio of the Energy Development Corporation conducting the Native Tree 101 workshop for participating scouts to prepare them for proper tree growing.
The program culminated with a tree-growing activity at the Nayong Pilipino BINHI Arboretum, where participants planted trees that will contribute to its improvement, allowing it to bloom into a living legacy of their commitment to nature.
Through collaborations with youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, BINHI continues to champion the conservation of native tree species and inspire the next generation to take part in building a greener, more resilient future.
Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is First Gen Corporation’s 100% Renewable Energy (RE) subsidiary with 1,388.8MW total installed capacity that accounts for 17% of the country’s total installed RE capacity. Its 1,094.80MW geothermal portfolio comprises 56% of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity, making the Philippines the third largest geothermal producer in the world. First Gen is the Philippines’ leading clean energy company
