The Post_1st_Quarter2011

TECHNICAL IMPROVEMENTS

As the new year unfolds, AboitizPower DUs focus on system reliability to serve its customers better.

MORE COLLABORATION AP BUs meet for branding initiaitves alignment - Page 13

COMMUNITY RELATIONS DUs dynamic on 1st quarter CSR activities - Page 23

1ST QUARTER 2011

VOLUME 2 NUMBER 1

CONTENTS

NEWS Cotabato Light constructs new 10MVA Malagapas Substation .............................................................. 8 In collaboration with Davao Light, Cotabato Light started construction of its new 10MVA Malagapas Substation last December 2010. It is set to be completed this May 2011.

MEZ to transfer NGCP metering .............................. 9 BEZ new substation gets first PMS ........................... 9 BEZ conducted the first preventive maintenance service (PMS) ot its new 25/33MVA substation in Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu last Christmas Day, December 25, 2010.

SEZ installs additional SF6 breaker to its Subic Substation ............................................................ 10 SEZ mounts ACRs .................................................. 11 SEZ installed two Automatic Circuit Reclosers (ACRs) along Argonaut Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. This is to provide a more reliable electric power distribution system in the freeport.

VECO replaces old posts ........................................ 11 VECO replaced its old wood posts with concrete or steel ones to improve its system reliability.

AboitizPower CorpCom teams set goals for 2011 ....12 AboitizPower BUs meet for branding initiatives alignment ............................................................. 13

REGULARS From the Editor ....................................................... 7

AboitizPower Distribution and Generation business units (BUs) gathered to plot 2011's groupwide branding initiatives.

Collaboration is still the key message of the activity.

Segue ................................................................... 27 Davao Light talks branding to universities ............. 14

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 2 NUMBER 1

CUSTOMER WELFARE Cotabato Light pushes further meter clustering project .................................................................. 17 Cotabato light pushes its meter clustering project with more meter centers to further push down the utility's system loss and to improve operational efficiency.

FEATURES Aboitiz brand team learns Market-Driving Strategies ............................................................. 18 The Aboitiz brand team learns market-Driving Strategies from renowned marketing guru Joaish Go.

A Whole New World in Brgy. Malamba .................. 19 Because of Davao Light's electrification program, Brgy. Malamba seemed to become a whole new world as changes in the residents' lifestyles happened.

Cotabato Light reinforces SDEs on work standards...20 Cotabato Light's Customer Service Group met with their SelfDirect Electricians (SDEs) to refresh them on work standards, and their qualifications and benefits to improve service delivery.

the best of them. Oh, and yes, they are women.

CSR & SUSTAINABILITY SEZ participates in Earth Hour 2011 ....................... 23 Subic EnerZone continued its support to Earth Hour on its 2011 edition. The company joined residents and stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport in the 2-day event organized by The Lighthouse Marina Resort and the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians.

Davao Light gives rice to Lumads ........................... 24 Davao Light turns over 150 armchairs to Tugbok .............................................................. 24 Davao Light turned over 150 new wooden armchairs to Talandang Elementary School in Tugbok.

VECO aids flood victims ......................................... 25 Cotabato Light donates computer printers to SK police ........................................................... 25 VECO donates computer units to MCPO, CCPO ...... 25 VECO donated brand new computer units to the Mandaue City Police and Cebu City Police.

Tough jobs are for women, too .............................. 20 VECO gives new library kits to grade schools ......... 26 Two of Davao Light's electrical engineers were just as tough as anyone else in their field. Whether designing plans, implementing projects, or supervising workers, they get the job done as well as

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VECO makes brighter, safer Cansojong high school ........................................................... 26

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FROM THE EDITOR

A NEW BEGINNING.

AboitizPower officers: Chairman Enrique Aboitiz, Jr. President & CEO Erramon I. Aboitiz EVP—Power Distribution Group Jaime Jose Aboitiz The Post staff: Editor In Chief /Layout Artist Raymund Tamayo News Editor Ruann May Pogado Features Editor Dianne Iris Ubasa Customer Welfare Editor Ethel Natera CSR & Sustainability Editor Donjie Vertuoso Contributing to this issue Ross Luga Vic Sumalinog Emily Cancio Jade Aniceto Rebecca Eufan Ronimay Ducay ivan Jones Colita Gerard Castillon Arlene Valdez Ryan Delelis Kim Khyber Anton Niùo Ang John Louis Ducos Corinne Grace Manalo-Ducos Editorial Adviser Sebastian Lacson

The first quarter of the year is usually a time of new beginnings. For those who celebrate Easter Sunday, it's a refreshing reminder of the opportunity we have to renew ourselves, to start over, to begin again.

At work, this is also the time for planning and preparing. For sorting first things first.

But sometimes it is hard to choose, and too many "things to do" overlap and create much stress. In life, it's the same.

We are pulled and pushed in so many directions and have so many voices shouting at us to do this or that, we can't hear ourselves any longer. We know what's best, what's right, what we need to do. But we've gotten lost in the disarray.

But we can always create a new beginning.

Even when we have made mistakes, failed, and things have all gone wrong. Anytime is a good time for a fresh start because dreams don't have deadlines.

We can begin right away to solve problems that have lingered for a while. We can bring an end to any unfinished business. We can break old habits, reorganize our priorities, and start something new. We can turn a new leaf and start whenever and wherever once we set out our minds to do so.

New beginnings start by getting rid of the old and tried. We embark on things that we haven't tried. We become more aggressive with ourselves and stop thinking that someone or something is in our way.

The faster we put in the work, disciplines, and right attitude, the sooner will we experience the miracles life has to offer.

I write this because I realize that every day,

every moment, we have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. We can start over and become the person we want to be. We can't do everything, we can't be everything, and we can't know everything... but we have the choice of what we want to be.

There is so much in life to choose from.

To begin a new beginning, we must listen deeply to our intuition which reminds us of what is really most important.

When I was in college and would feel overwhelmed with studies and my many extra curricular activities (I was sports editor of our college paper, chairman of our student organization, and basketball player), my mom would always remind me, "The cream will rise to the top." She meant that the most important would always make itself evident, and I would get it done if I focused on it. We need to let the cream rise to the top of our lives.

I would love to hear about your experiences with new beginnings. Write me and share it with all of us. It is wonderful when we can share about these inspiring and uplifting moments in our lives.

I wish for you all the happiness and success you can find. May all your dreams come true this year!

Raymund Tamayo editor-in-chief Write to us: Canal Road corner Labitan St. Central Business District Subic Bay Freeport Zone or send an email to: raymund.tamayo@aboitiz.com

NEWS

DU COLLABORATION

COTABATO LIGHT CONSTRUCTS NEW 10MVA MALAGAPAS SUBSTATION

POWER TRANSFORMER. Cotabato Light contractors are sets up hydraulic jacks to put the substation's power transformer in place.

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otabato Light & Power Company, in partnership with sister company Davao Light, started construction of its new 10MVA Malagapas substation last December 2010. The project is set to be finished this May 2011.

Cotabato Light’s franchise area includes Cotabato City and some areas in the municipalities of Sultan Kudarat in the north and Datu Odin Sinsuat in the south.

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The substations that share the load are the 12MVA Sinsuat substation, within the utility’s compound, and the 10MVA & 15MVA Salimbao substation in Sultan Kudarat. Customers supplied by the Sinsuat substation were in the downtown area and the southern part of the franchise.

Meanwhile, Salimbao substation covers portion of the downtown up to the northernmost part.

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During preventive maintenance and servicing works of either the 12MVA Sinsuat or 15MVA Salimbao power transformers, only the 10MVA in Salimbao serves as back-up. This poses a serious challenge during power interruptions as system reliability and stability is compromised. Because of the franchise area’s load growth, the new substation was built. -BY IVAN JONES COLITA

NEWS

MEZ TO TRANSFER NGCP METERING On April 24, Mactan EnerZone Corporation (MEZ) will transfer its metering set-up from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to its new location adjacent to the company’s substation control room.

The transfer will cover one day for the dismantling of the old metering structure, hauling of meter instruments, and tapping of overhead lines. The company outsourced for the project.

NGCP supplied the metering equipment in advance in order to have minimum downtime during the power interruption.

Also prior to the schedule, MEZ did preparation works such as fabrication of new steel platforms, pole erection, and pole dressing.

NGCP will do the wiring and installation of the potential transformers, current transformers, and revenue meter.

MEZ to implement substation road concreting This year, MEZ will conduct bidding for road concreting within the compound of its substation.

The site development was done last year when the company had backfilled its existing leased area to maximize the full use of the lot. Currently, the area is now the site of the new NGCP metering.

The project will allow easy access for company and visitors’ vehicles that will enter the area.

The project is handled by MEZ project engineer Kim Khyber Anton Niño Ang and supervised by MEZ head for technical operations Ronald Allan Petilo.

-BY KIM KHYBER ANTON NIÑO ANG

A view of the 25/33MVA BEZ substation.

BEZ NEW SUBSTATION GETS FIRST PMS

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alamban EnerZone Corporation (BEZ) conducted the first preventive maintenance service on its new 25/33 MVA substation at Bravo Road, Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu last December 25, 2010. To minimize power interruption to BEZ locators, the 25MVA Arpili Substation powered the West Cebu Industrial Park during the activity.

BEZ engineers, headed by Technical Operations Head Mario Gabunilas, conducted the testing of the substation’s feeder relays and transformer differential relay.

During the testing, the current transformer for the main breaker was rewired and corrected. Simulation of breaker controls were also done to ensure the functionality

of the equipment and its response for a fault.

Other BEZ personnel inspected the substation’s 1000MCM power cable for any physical damage. An insulation test was done to check the condition of the cable. The porcelain insulators of the group-operated disconnect switches were cleaned up to avoid flashovers of grounded parts.

Repainting works were done for the substation’s steel A-frame structure. For its distribution lines, Mactan EnerZone (MEZ) sent linemen to assist BEZ in line inspection and maintenance. CEBECO 3 also assisted BEZ for its power transformer testing, contact resistance test, and grounding test. -BY KIM KHYBER ANTON NIÑO ANG

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NEWS

SEZ INSTALLS ADDITIONAL SF6 BREAKER TO ITS SUBIC SUBSTATION

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ubic EnerZone Corporation (SEZ) installs an additional 69kV SF6 Circuit Breaker for its 100MVA Subic Substation along Causeway Road Extension, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The project will be completed this May 2011.

The operation aims to increase the reliability and flexibility of the substation’s 69kV line supplying the company’s Maritan

and Cubi substations.

Civil works were awarded to JC Lee Construction which includes foundation construction, steel support for electrical equipment, and additional lattice frame structure.

The existing circuit breaker in Cubi substation was temporarily removed to

SEZ project engineer John Louis Ducos (with back to the camera) supervises civil works at the company's 100MVA Subic Substation.

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give way to the construction of foundation works. Existing primary lines of the structure was also revamped.

The project was facilitated by SEZ’s Planning and Design Department headed by its supervisor Eng’r. Redentor Delola, together with project engineers John Louis Ducos and Philip Ricablanca. -BY JOHN LOUIS DUCOS

NEWS

SEZ MOUNTS ACR'S

VECO REPLACES OLD POSTS Visayan Electric Company (VECO) replaced 645 rotten wood poles last year. 412 were primary poles along highways with 23kV lines, while 233 were secondary poles in inner roads with 220V lines.

Replacing old wooden posts with either concrete or steel poles is one of VECO’s projects to improve its facilities and system reliability. These poles, some have a height of up to 50 feet in which 16% of its length is buried underground, are more durable than wood poles which eventually rot or are infested with termites.

The SEZ team poses for the camera at the site of the ACR installation in Kalayaan Heights, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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ubic EnerZone Corporation (SEZ) installed two Automatic Circuit Reclosers (ACR) along Argonaut Highway, Kalayaan Heights, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

ACRs are installed to provide electric service continuity by removing a faulted circuit from the system brought about by natural causes. The one-day operation was done last April 13.

Subic Bay has a large wild life population, including monkeys and bats, which regularly touch electric lines that cause power interruptions. ACRs will eliminate such lengthy power outages for a more reliable and stable power distribution system in the freeport.

ACRs are circuit breakers designed to re-connect power after detecting and interrupting a line fault. If the fault is

temporary, the equipment will allow power to be restored instantly without human intervention. Unlike fuselinks, which interrupt either temporary or permanent faults indiscriminately, ACRs are able to distinguish between the two types of faults. They give temporary faults repeated chances to be cleared by a subordinate protective device, and if not, the ACR will read it as a permanent fault and will exhaust its pre-programmed attempts to re-energize the line and remain tripped off until manually commanded to try again.

50% of VECO’s power outages are due to pole-replacement projects. This is necessary to minimize accidents related to broken or fallen poles. A safe location is considered when erecting a pole. It has to be some distance away from water pipes laid by the local water utility. Poles should also be located only in areas where it doesn’t obstruct a driveway.

As Cebu progresses, VECO’s system expands. This requires new pole installations for new customers, and oftentimes the system needs upgrading to meet the increased demand for capacity from growing customer loads.

-BY REBECCA EUFAN

The project was facilitated by SEZ’s Planning and Design Department headed by its supervisor Eng’r. Redentor Delola, and was implemented by the Transmission & Distribution and Substation & Electrical Engineering departments led also by its supervisors Eng’r. Ryan Griva and Eng’r.

Justin Jay Navarro respectively. -BY JOHN LOUIS DUCOS

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NEWS

ABOITIZPOWER CORPCOM TEAMS SET GOALS FOR 2011

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he AEV-Corporate Communications team convened two AboitizPower (AP) electric distribution utilities, Cotabato Light and Davao Light, for their Annual Corporate Communications Strategic Media Planning. The group revisited the company’s respective stories and key messages last year, and mappedout planned stories for 2011. The meeting was held at Davao Light’s HR-conference room last March 15.

The stories were aligned to the companies’ key messages for the year. Last year’s performance output was also presented to assess compliance to the committed stories and for benchmarking purposes.

The meeting ended with a positive outlook

of attaining the goals for the year despite the challenges and new criteria set by AEV CorpCom. Present during the meeting were Davao Light AVP for Branding & CorpCom Ross Luga, Cotabato Light Branding & CorpCom Officer Donjie Vertuoso, Davao Light CorpCom Supervisor Emily Cancio, and AP’s Willie Rodolfo.

The event was facilitated by Lelani Echaves, a Cebu-based media consultant of AEV. Also present were AEV AVP for Branding & CorpCom Carol Ballesteros and her team, Ma. Theresa Gonzales-Sederiosa, Evelyn Paul and Yhol Colegado. -BY DONJIE VERTUOSO

Members of Davao Light and Cotabato Light CorpCom teams meet up with media consultant Lelani Echaves and AEV COrpCom for 2011 Media Planning.

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NEWS

AboitizPower BUs meet for branding initiatives alignment WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: AboitizPower Brand Officer Kate Alconga presents to the BU's brand champions AP's plans and projects for 2011, and encourages everyone to rally behind it.

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boitizPower (AP) business units (BUs) gathered at the Aboitiz Corporate Center in Makati City to plot this year’s branding initiatives groupwide, March 11. Given the fact that each company is naturally a multi-tasking team, collaboration was the key message of the said activity.

AP AVP for Branding Ria Calleja set the mood of the event in giving an opening message. She pointed out the need for everyone’s commitment and support to implement AP’s campaign that also will eventually promote the Aboitiz mother brand.

AP Brand Officer Kate Alconga presented and discussed the details of the group’s plans while soliciting new ideas from the

participants on how to make it better and effective. Each BU also presented their respective branding activities and plans for the year.

Not to be missed-out in this important occasion, AEV Chief Reputation Officer Sebastian Lacson greeted everyone via video-conference in the afternoon. He further challenged each brand champion to continuously raise the bar and make this year a better one.

The power companies present in this meeting were Cotabato Light, Davao Light, Subic EnerZone, Mactan EnerZone, Balamban EnerZone, VECO, APRI, Hedcor, Therma Marine, Therma Luzon, and Aboitiz Energy Solutions. -BY DONJIE VERTUOSO

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NEWS

Davao Light's Russel Bolivar presents to UM students the company's mapping system used for emergency response operations.

DAVAO LIGHT TALKS BRANDING TO UNIVERSITIES

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n these times of heightened competition, companies must work hard to maintain strong relationships with their customers through branding to fuel business growth.

This is one of the ideas that Davao Light & Power Company imparted to the students of the University of Mindanao (UM), Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) and University of the Southeastern Philippines (USeP) during its Branding presentation on these respective schools done from December 2010 to February 2011.

The Corporate Communications & Branding team, headed by AVP Ross Luga, conducted the presentation to 70 Marketing Management and Masters in Business Administrations students of UM,

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41 Mass Communications students of HCDC and 40 AB English USeP students in separate visits.

The aim of which is to educate the college students, especially those who are in business and communications courses, on the importance of brands in building a long-term relationship between company and customer, and to introduce the Davao Light brand as well.

Geographic Information Systems supervisor Russel Bolivar also presented to the students the company’s mapping system. Developed in-house by Davao Light engineers, the system is used to easily locate a customer within its franchise area during emergency calls and other service operations. The students were also briefed

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on what to do when calling the company’s hotline for a faster response time. The same system was donated by Davao Light and is currently being used by Davao City’s 911 Emergency Response Center. -BY RUANN MAY POGADO

A student beams as he receives a token from Davao Light after answering a branding question.

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CUSTOMER WELFARE

COTABATO LIGHT PUSHES FURTHER METER CLUSTERING PROJECT

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brand new year and yet the goal to bring down systems loss even lower remains a big challenge. With it in mind, the Cotabato Light team braces on as threats and opportunities will surely come along the way. But with the team’s passion and the usual management support, that goal will eventually be attained.

Today, with the same approach as that of last year but in a much intensified level, the company pushes further the Meter Clustering project. As load centers were monitored on a monthly basis, pilferageprone areas are now more visible to the technical eye. Knowing where to focus saves valuable time and effort in addressing the problem.

A validation to this was the recently completed second phase of meter clustering, which made system loss to continue to go down. Company statistics showed that it dropped from 10.42% in January 2010 to 9.12% in December 2010.

Team members were excited with the trend, but were also anticipating more challenging months ahead.

Cotabato Light's elevated Meter Centers help trim down systems loss.

Cotabato Light is constantly seeking more innovative projects intended solely to reduce systems loss even further. The revolutionary Elevated Meter Centers (EMCs) is now on its third phase, where broader areas are monitored and covered.

Though the war against electric pilferers is an uphill battle, the dedicated Cotabato

Light anti-pilferage team, aka the A-team, will never cease to stop them. The team, headed by Arsenio Jovero III, consists of Christopher Tocao, Albert Pacana, and Hernan Ruelles. In collaboration with Power Metering personnel Cyril Culanag, Mark Sardan and a handful of contractors, they work vigorously to get the job done.

-BY IVAN JONES COLITA

COTABATO LIGHT IMPLEMENTS SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT Cotabato Light is now implementing RA No. 9994, the law on senior citizen discount for electricity bills. The IRR was published in January 2011, and took effect 15 days after. As of January 25, Cotabato Light is accepting applicants for senior citizen’s discount among its qualified consumers.

Under the new law, residential senior citizen customers may avail of a 5% discount provided that their monthly consumption does not exceed 100 kWh. The discount is applicable on a per household basis regardless of the number of senior citizens residing there.

Applicants should submit proof of age and citizenship, proof of residence, proof of billing, and proof of authority (if applying through a representative). Residential care facilities and institutions can avail 50% and must submit an approved DSWD accreditation. -BY ARLENE VALDEZ

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FEATURES

ABOITIZ BRAND TEAM LEARNS MARKET-DRIVING STRATEGIES

THINK DIFFERENTLY: Marketing guru Josiah Go advises participants to think differently to become effective and competitive in the business world today.

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here is nothing permanent in this world except change. That is also true in the business world. Through the years, business models on marketing orientation were continuously evolving from Sales-driven, to Market-driven, to Customer-driven – to what is now called Market-driving.

Market-Driving Strategies (MDS) is a game-changing innovation to create and conquer new market space while reinventing the business system. That was precisely the core concept of the MDS seminar and workshop held at the Hotel Intercontinental, Makati City last March 3 and 4.

Attended by different brand teams from the Aboitiz group, the seminar was facilitated by modern day Marketing guru

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Josiah Go of Mansmith and Fielders, Inc. MDS defines how a firm embraces innovative changes in the industry while focusing on the underserved and unserved markets. The participants were taught to think differently rather than just being better. Accordingly, there are three pillars of MDS: (1) Break the Rules (industry); (2) Reinvent Business System; and (3) Target Marginal (underserved) Customer and Non-customer (un-served).

Go provided participants tools on how to do the BIDA (Barriers, Irritants, Disappointments, and Annoyance) checkup and how to solve the BIDA in MDS concepts using the 4-question framework.

He further elaborated that the new truth in MDS is customer insighting, not foresighting. Insight is a penetrating

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understanding of people. It provides clues that lead to innovation, new offers, or brand building by the company.

Indeed, branding and marketing efforts should always be innovative and creative on developing new strategies to capture the marginalized and un-served markets, and to satisfactorily cater the needs of existing customers. If others are not doing it, it doesn’t mean that it will not work in your business system.

There were sixteen participants from various business sectors who attended the seminar including AEV AVP for Branding and CorpCom Carol Ballesteros, Cotabato Light Branding and CorpCom Officer Donjie Vertuoso, and AEV Brand Officer Trixie Ylaya. -BY DONJIE VERTUOSO

FEATURES

A Whole New World in Brgy. Malamba BY VIC SUMALINOG Watching their favorite soap operas on TV has become a favorite past time of the residents of Brgy. Malamba in Marilog.

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ome 20 kilometers away from the highway Calinan Poblacion, Barangay Malamba was once a sleepy area where human activity was limited to daylight hours. Visiting the area would require you to travel by foot or ride on a habal-habal (single) motorcycle. If you’re lucky enough to get a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can reach the barangay from the main highway through a bumpy, up and down road trip during dry season or a slippery and muddy ride on rainy days.

distribution line reached this far-flung community composed of almost 6,000 residents belonging to various ethnic tribes. Since then, electricity has changed significantly the lifestyle of the upland dwellers. Vanessa Amor Alejandrino, a teacher of the only secondary school there, is happy with how her students are enthusiastically responding to their lessons at present. “With evening lighting that lengthens their daylight hours, students can study better now,” Alejandrino says.

Donnabelle, a shy Grade 5 pupil of G. Astilla Senior Central Malamba High School (CMHS) recalled, “I used to study with the aid of lampara or gas lamp. The lamp’s black smoke sometimes got into my nostrils. Every time I visited my relatives in the downtown area, I was green with envy seeing my cousins watch their favorite soap opera episodes.”

Students of CMHS are catching up on information technology as instructional videos are used by teachers for computer lessons. They became not only internet savvy, but they are now connected globally on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Gone are the days when everyone is ready to go to sleep as dusk arrives. This time, it’s a chance for them to meet at a nearby store to belt out their favorite song at the videoke machine.

They can now reduce the number of days going to market as households have refrigerators to store food items. Thus, the residents can now save time and money

This was the normal activity in the remote community until three years ago when Davao Light and Power Company’s social electrification program energized the barangay. In 2007, the first electric

from buying food. And who would have thought that a telecom company would put up a cell site in the area? This made farmers’ lives a lot easier as their buyers can be reached through mobile phones.

Even friends and relatives are now just a text away.

According to Romeo Inog, Malamba’s barangay captain, the community also hopes to have a power-driven water system in a not-so-distant future. “I believe electricity provides considerable convenience as people won’t have to carry water containers by hand. Reducing the contact between clean water and people’s hands may also prevent many water-borne diseases”, Inog said. “With the support of the Davao City local government and Davao Light, little by little we are now experiencing the comforts of electricity.”

Pleased with the improvements he saw during his recent visit, Michael Angelo, the distribution engineer of the project, felt a sense of accomplishment. He realized that the collective effort of all stakeholders have clearly touched peoples’ lives.

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FEATURES

COTABATO LIGHT REINFORCES SDEs ON WORK STANDARDS

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he Cotabato Light Customer Service Group (CSG) met with the company’s registered Accredited Electricians and Self-Direct Electricians (SDEs), March 17. The meeting, initiated

by CSR Supervisor Ernesto Lu, Engineering Manager Miko Cazar, and Safety Officer Nonoy Lubguban, was to reinforce and refresh the participants about their qualifications and benefits, and the sanctions on violations to Cotabato Light’s metering standards.

Recently, Cotabato Light engineers Ryan Delelis and Jun Pascual conducted a post-audit on all application for new connections from October 2010 to February 2011. Of the 56 applications audited, 50% were disapproved. The impact of these applications may reflect on the company’s reputation, especially on its service delivery.

Each electrician was given a copy of the Classification of Reject Service Entrance

REINFORCING STANDARDS: CSG Supervisor Ernesto Lu reminds accredited electricians and SDEs to raise the bar of their performance and to strictly observe the company's work standards.

Installations, Violations of RA 7832, and Corresponding Sanctions and Penalties to remind them of company policy which will be imposed on them. For now, post-

audit will continue to assess the accredited electricians and SDEs’ work and to maintain high standards on safety and electrical connections. -BY RYAN DELELIS

TOUGH JOBS ARE FOR WOMEN, TOO

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Lady project engineer Emiere Daplin instructs how to carry out a task during line upgrading works along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao.

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hile only a few women embrace the idea of doing tough jobs, two of Davao Light’s project engineers think otherwise. Electrical engineers by profession, Emiere Daplin and Raquel Caro design projects involving upgrading of distribution lines. The design aspect however, is the easier part as the other tasks are done outdoors. These ladies under the intense heat of the sun also coordinate with supervisors leading a few hundred men conducting the actual maintenance. On several occasions, the assignment would entail close monitoring with the use of a handheld radio. It also requires riding a motorbike during inspection in all phases of the engagement. Recently, power cables and poles were replaced on a 400-meter double circuit line at E. Quirino Avenue. Emiere stayed until the work was completed to keep track of the progress. The increasing demand for power in the said area required replacement of old electric cables with bigger ones. Wooden poles have also been changed with concrete, making the distribution network in the area more reliable. -BY ROSS LUGA

CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

SEZ participates in Earth Hour 2011

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ubic EnerZone Corporation (SEZ) continued its support to climate change awareness as it participated in Earth Hour 2011. The company joined residents and stakeholders of the Subic Bay Freeport in the 2-day event organized

by The Lighthouse Marina Resort and the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians (IYFR).

On the night of March 26, the actual Earth Hour activity was held at The Lighthouse from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. The atmosphere was intimate and relaxed as the countdown for the switch off began. Several SEZ team members were present during the event.

At exactly 8:30 pm, establishments all over the freeport shut off their lights as a show

of support to the campaign. “Unplugged” performances such as fire dancers and acoustic musicians from the University of the Philippines’ College of Music kept the guests entertained.

To end the activity, SEZ General Manager Warell Kern Sario led the lighting of sky lanterns and gave an inspiring message about everyone’s moral responsibility to the environment as citizens of the planet.

In the early hours of March 25, SEZ team members joined hundreds of volunteers from different schools, businesses, civic groups, and companies for a beach cleanup at the beach front area of the Moonbay Marina Complex in the freeport.

The activity was followed by a junk art workshop conducted by environmental artists from Baguio City, who coached student-participants in creating art works from junk. Participants used trash collected during the cleanup as materials for their junk art.

SEZ posted banners, posters, and streamers on their buildings, substations, and company vehicles, and in some locators’ offices two weeks before the event to help spread awareness.

For 2011, the “60+” Earth Hour logo was introduced to represent a commitment to take positive action that goes beyond the hour. -BY RAYMUND TAMAYO

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CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

DAVAO LIGHT GIVES RICE TO LUMADS

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ubbed as “Pinaskuhan Para sa Lumad,” Davao Light conducted a rice donation activity for Lumads at the Philippine Army's Task Force (TF) Davao headquarters inside the Sta. Ana wharf compound last November 30, 2010.

The company has donated an average of 55 sacks per year since the project’s beginning in 2004.

TF-Davao’s Executive Officer Maj. Roberto Rivas said in his message that Davao Light’s consistent support to the project has allowed them to increase the number of food assistance beneficiaries progressively.

Rivas added that this project is a way the military is telling the upland communities that they are not enemies of Lumads, as what some lawless elements in the area are portraying them.

Davao Light Corporate Community Relations Manager Vic Sumalinog, who led the turnover ceremonies, thanked TF-Davao for giving the company the opportunity to

be part of this project.

He also said that this shows that the military is not around only for war but also to serve the people, especially those in the uplands.

Lumads are indigenous people from the Toril, Marilog, and Paquibato districts of Davao City.

Soldiers and delivery crew unload the sacks of rice donated by Davao Light to Task Force Davao for its annual Pinaskuhan sa Lumad project.

The activity was made possible through

the initiative of TF-Davao under its commanding officer Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero. -BY VIC SUMALINOG

DAVAO LIGHT TURNS OVER 150 ARMCHAIRS TO TUGBOK Davao Light and Power Company turned over 150 new wooden armchairs to Talandang Elementary School in Tugbok District last February 2.

The chairs will give the beneficiary school’s more than 400 students the opportunity to be seated individually. At present some

of the classes are using 2-seater school desks made of plastic, most of which are already dilapidated.

The armchair donation is the first to be made by the electric utility in 2011.

However, 300 more armchairs are about ready for turnover to two more beneficiary schools in Davao City and in Braulio Dujali in Davao del Norte.

The project is part of Davao Light's continuing support to the Department of Education's “Adopt-a-School” program.

Each armchair costs about 800 pesos to assemble and apply finishing work.

Workers unload armchairs witnessed by the school principal.

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Davao

Light

Community

Relations Manager Vic Sumalinog told Talandang Elementary School Principal Wilma Acog that the chairs are meant to improve the conduciveness of each room to learning. In effect, the company is looking forward to the overall improvement in the quality of students that will graduate from the said school.

Sumalinog also told Ms. Acog that education is a primary focus of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program believing that education moulds today’s youth to become the leaders of the country in the future.

For her part, Ms. Acog committed to do her best to take care of the new chairs. She said she will devise ways that will ensure that the chairs will not be vandalized by those who will use them. -BY VIC SUMALINOG

CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

VECO AIDS FLOOD VICTIMS

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isayan Electric Company (VECO) gave back to its customers by helping the flood victims in Sitio Kasambagan last February 5.

Led by the Community Relations Department, 18 volunteers distributed packed food items to 200 families whose houses were hit by flood. Each pack included rice, sardines, and noodles.

Despite their tragedy, the victims went home with smiled on their faces, hoping that their misfortune will not happen again. -BY RONIMAY DUCAY

COTABATO LIGHT DONATES COMPUTER PRINTERS TO SK POLICE

VECO DONATES COMPUTER UNITS TO MCPO, CCPO

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isayan Electric Company (VECO) donated brand new computer units with printer to the Mandaue City (MCPO) and Cebu City (CCPO) police offices last January 21 and 28.

MCPO Chief Senior Superintendent Noel Angeles Gillamac said “we need the support of private firms like VECO. This additional unit is a big help to us as it shortens the queue of policemen using the computer for their reports.”

On the other hand, CCPO Chief Senior Superintendent Melvin Ramon Buenafe expressed his gratitude saying “I now have a new computer set for my office.”

During the turnover ceremonies, VECO Community Relations Manager Eric Ching

sought the help of the police for its Bantay Linya program, a campaign against theft and pilferage on power lines.

Gillamac responded by telling policemen to be more vigilant. “It is part of our responsibility to protect the community, both the residents and businesses in Mandaue City, from the inconvenience of brownouts due to electricity theft,” he said.

Bantay Linya is a program of Cebu’s public utilities to watch for power line thieves.

It is strengthened with VECO’s newly formed Revenue Protection Department to handle electricity theft, pilferage, direct tapping, and illegal connections that contribute to the company’s system loss. -BY REBECCA EUFAN

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otabato Light donated two brand new LX-matrix computer printers to the Sultan Kudarat (SK) PNP in a turnover ceremony held at the company’s conference room last January 19. In previous years, the said police office was also the recipient of three brand new computer units with printers from the company and Aboitiz Foundation.

Receiving the printers was SK Police Chief of Investigation and Intelligence SP01 Kasim Purong in behalf of SK-PNP Chief Jeseryl Dela Cruz. With him are P01 Arvie Armada, P01 Dixon Carumba, and P01 Felipe Parilla.

HR/Comrel Officer Anna Lea Lee Nataño led the Cotabato Light team during the turnover. -BY DONJIE VERTUOSO

VECO VP for Administration and Customer Services Ricky Lacson hands over one computer set to Cebu City Chief of police S/Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe. Also in the picture are VECO's community relations consultant Danilo Alfafara (left) and CSR manager Eric Ching.

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CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

VECO GIVES NEW LIBRARY KITS TO GRADE SCHOOLS

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isayan Electric Company (VECO) gave brand new library kits to Balud Elementary School and Greenhills Elementary School in San Fernando, Cebu last February 11 and 19 respectively.

Councilor Lolita Enad graced the turnover ceremony.

Ching reminded the teachers and students to use the books not only for decoration.

He said VECO will constantly check the

usage of the facilities. He also updated them on VECO-CSR’s current programs in education.

Meanwhile, 36 VECO employees cleaned up and painted the new school library in Greenhills Elementary School after VECO engineers replaced the old wirings and installed lighting fixtures to the dilapidated structure. New CFL bulbs were placed to create a brighter and more conducive learning space. -REBECCA EUFAN

697 elementary students from Balud, while 482 from Greenhills were the beneficiaries of the said project.

The library kit includes a book shelf, 52 sets of flash cards, 93 books (including a 7-set science encyclopedia), Filipino and English dictionaries, thesaurus, National Geographic Kid’s Almanac 2011, communication books for Grades 1 to 6, and a globe.

Balud Elementary School Principal Herminia Suaring assured VECO officials that they will take care of the new books.

“I thank the Lord for answering my prayers.

I didn’t expect it to come right way through VECO,” she said.

San Fernando Vice Mayor Miguel Antonio Canoy, VECO Community Relations Manager Eric Ching, School District Supervisor Laurencia Suening, and Balud

HELLO NEW BOOKS!: Pupils of Balud Elementary School eagerly scan their new books.

VECO MAKES, BRIGHTER, SAFER CANSOJONG HIGH SCHOOL

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ansojong National High School (CNHS) was Visayan Electric Company (VECO) Rewiring Program’s first beneficiary for this year. The project turnover was held last February 3 on school grounds. Electrical wirings and safe circuit systems were installed to replace substandard electrical lines.

Gracing the ceremony were VECO VP for Customer Service and Administration

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Ricardo Lacson Jr., CNHS Principal Tomas Espiña, Talisay City Councilor and Committee on Education Chairman Dennis Basillote, VECO Community Relations Manager Eric Ching, and DepEd Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Ofelia Hermosa.

Espiña said that the rewiring has been the school’s longstanding dream. “Now our classrooms are brighter and safer for the

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students,” he added. He also promised to work at academic excellence and ensure proper maintenance of the project. Lacson, meanwhile, expressed joy for CNHS and said that he is pleased to have given this year’s first project to the school.

The rewiring project is part of VECO’s Corporate Social Responsibility in cooperation with the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. -JADE ANICETO

SEGUE

SEGUE S

tress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings. As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action; it can result in a new awareness and an exciting new perspective.

As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. With the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, a job promotion, or a new relationship, we experience stress as we readjust our lives. In so adjusting to different circumstances, stress will help or hinder us depending on how we react to it.

7. Don't sweat the small stuff. Realize that there are some things that just aren't worth worrying about and there are some things you just can't change. Don't waste time stressing over the things in either category.

8. Find a mentor or a friend. Having someone to talk to can take a lot of stress off you.

You can devote some of your time by reading these while you don’t have much work.

3.

Work soft. Its okay to work hard but too much effort can be counterproductive. We can work hard at the expense of our ability to think clearly, to be in touch of our intuition or to operate in a relaxed and efficient manner.

Whenever the fax machine or the phone rings, do it as a reminder to relax your shoulders and breathe deeply. Soften your focus as you sink back into your body.

9. Relax and breathe deeply. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount or work you have to do or if someone is "in your face", a good thing to do is to "breathe through your nose". You can't get as worked up if you force yourself to breathe through your nose. Your body simply can't maintain the same level of energy without that extra oxygen you get when

4. Clear clutter. A cluttered environment can literally drain your energy and cause

According to some studies, too much work can be stressful and it can lead to addictive behaviors.

If you have a stressful job, there are tips to lessen the stress that you’re experiencing while you are at work: 1. Take positive values to work. Because of the stressful job that we have, sometimes we tend to forget to smile, to be patient and to be kind.

Always remember to have these values even when you are at work.

2. Keep inspiration close at hand. You can do this by having inspirational articles, books of inspirational quotes or stories at your desk.

additional stress! Apply some principles of good cleanliness to your workstation. Clear the clutter from your bulletin board and your desktop. Change the old pictures, cartoons or anything that no longer supports your sense of prosperity and well-being.

breathing through your mouth.

10. Spend more time with optimistic people.

Negative people will pull you down to their level. Choose to work with people who have a positive attitude instead. -BY CORINNE GRACE MANALO-DUCOS

5. Lighten up. Smile more. We all know laughter reduces stress. You will be amazed at how much more pleasant the people around you are when you make an effort to be pleasant yourself.

6. Learn to listen better. Rather than getting upset when others disagree with you, listen actively and find the areas of agreement. Be assertive and stand up for yourself, but don't be rigid.

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