The Post, September 2010

CRISIS MANAGEMENT: SEEING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MIDST OF DIFFICULTIES

The Beauty of Collaboration: Davao Light's "Sibulan Project" - Page 23

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SEPTEMBER 2010

VOLUME 1 NUMBER 3

CONTENTS aim high when improving during the company's 2nd Management Conference at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, May 21. "With customers getting excellent service, they will not complain and will gladly pay their bills," Aboitiz said.

Engineering group holds mini-management conference ............................................................ 10 VECO TMC achieves back-to-back feat ................... 11 VECO proposes 69-kV switching station for SMC ................................................................. 11 Cotabato Light widens connectivity options ........... 12 With its desire to keep its customers informed and connected, Cotabato Light recently launched its official website, www. cotabatolight.com. The company's customers will now have more options to reach Cotabato Light.

Vintage engine back on track ................................. 12

COVER STORY Opportunities in the midst of difficulties: AboitizPower holds Crisis Management Workshop ...................... 14

REGULARS Feedback ................................................................ 6 Team Members Page ............................................ 30 Segue ................................................................... 31

NEWS MEZ begins major projects for the year ................... 9

The Chinese have two symbols for the word "crisis." The first is "wei" meaning danger or peril, and the second is "ji" meaning opportunity or crucial point. AboitizPower holds its Crisis Management Workshop to be ready before crisis happens and to learn more how to recognize opportunities in times of difficulties.

CUSTOMER WELFARE New payment options for Davao Light customers ............................................................. 18 Davao Light signs a Memorandum of Agreement with CIS Bayad Center to be its collection partner in accepting electric bill payments from its customers. Another testament to Davao Light's commitment to always improve services to its customers.

In September, Mactan EnerZone Corporation (MEZ) started implementing its major projects for the year. This is part of the company's commitment to continuously improve its equipment and facilities to better serve its customers.

Cotabato Light, Subic EnerZone take on Project Pearl ......................................................... 19

VECO team leaders aim high .................................. 10

Cotabato Light does CFL exchange program ........... 20

VECO rehabilitates wiring system of MEZ transfers to new admin office .......................... 9 four schools .......................................................... 19 Gearing up for the Performance Based Regulation (PBR) regime, VECO EVP and COO Jim Aboitiz encourages his team leaders to

VECO commends senior citizen discount law ......... 20

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CONTENTS

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Customer dependents get Cotabato Light scholarship ........................................................... 21

FEATURES Running Fever ....................................................... 22 Running has become a passion of VECO team members. One proof of this is the organization of its 110-member VECO Power Runners.

Davao Light lady guard returns found wallets ........................................................ 22 The Beauty of Collaboration: Davao Light's Sibulan Project ...................................................... 23 Aboitiz companies Hedcor, Davao Light, and Aboitiz Energy Solutions (AESI) collaborate to provide additional power to Mindanao. After building a new 42MW hydroelectric power plant, Hedcor turned to AESI to facilitate the management of the project.

AESI in turn tapped the expertise of Davao Light to implement it.

Profiles: Sonny Co ................................................. 24

SEZ presents first batch of scholars ........................ 26

Davao Light's Data Management Department Supervisor talks about his work history, how he can always rely on the company in tough times, and that one should be a team player and be able to help his co-employees.

Cotabato Light completes classroom refurbishments ..................................................... 26

Profiles: Edgar Orilla .............................................. 25 One of the pioneers of Davao Light's Panabo office, the Quality Audit and Safety Officer tells Davao Light's concern for its employees and encouraged his teammates to love one's self, family, and God.

CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

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Aboitiz set to repeat Groupwide tree-planting ....... 27 On October 16, Aboitiz business units from all over the country will again simultaneously conduct tree-planting activities in their respective service areas. Last year, about 1,300 Aboitiz Group team members participated in the event. One united stand for a better future.

Davao Light's CSR activities ................................... 28 CSR teams Groupwide attend LCF expo ................. 29

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Cotabato Light distributes scholarship funds ......... 26

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Tell us your comments, opinions, insights, and share your ideas here in our reader’s page.

AboitizPower officers:

OPPORTUNITY ATTITUDE.

Chairman Enrique Aboitiz, Jr. President & CEO Erramon I. Aboitiz EVP—Power Distribution Group Jaime Jose Aboitiz

This issue's main story is about crisis management, and I was just wondering how we can also apply this concept to our everyday lives.

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 Vic Sumalinog Emily Cancio Leo Lungay Jasmine Nikki Paredes Ian Fabian Kira Katrina Ma Kira Mae Ma Anna Lea Lee Nataño Michelle Prudente Oliver Makilang Jonathan Acosta Mary Mae Siang Yolly Cawagas Kim Khyber Anton Niño Ang Editorial Adviser Sebastian Lacson

Personally, have you ever been in a crisis?

Have you ever had life suddenly fall apart?

Perhaps you were overwhelmed by the loss of a job or the break up of a relationship.

Maybe it was just a minor incident, or the straw that broke the camel's back. But I'm pretty sure there were times in the past that, suddenly, you found yourself in a crisis situation.

While such times can be very upsetting, understanding the true nature of a crisis helps us get through them. The meaning of a crisis is well expressed in the Chinese language. Writing the word crisis in Chinese requires two characters, one of them represents danger and the other opportunity. Translated, we can say that a crisis is a "Dangerous Opportunity."

What do we usually see in a crisis? Most of us quickly see the inconvenience and overlook the opportunity. Indeed, the opportunity may be well hidden. We see the danger first because when something changes in our environment we immediately look to see how it may harm us. The problem is, after seeing the danger we stop and solve, but forget to look for the opportunity.

By nature, we humans are a "danger people." Becoming an "opportunity person" is hard work. It requires an intentional mindset shift - a renewing of the mind - a change of heart and attitude. Many times,

these changes occurs only after weathering several crises.

Many people that I know said that it was actually a crisis that caused them to make a much-needed change of heart. Living through a hard time challenges us to grow in ways that gives us more strength.

A strengh of character.

If perceived correctly, a crisis forces us to become more mature and opens our eyes to new and better possibilities.

One example is during times of natural disasters. People reach out to each other.

They let go of self-centered interests and become connected in ways that strengthen them. Hidden in the danger of the disaster is the opportunity for growth of empathy and caring for one another.

The next time a crisis enters your life, you can look at the danger and be sure to take the appropriate action. But never forget to also look for the opportunity. What are my options? What new and better possibilities are open to me? Become an "Opportunity Person." Choose the Opportunity Attitude.

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

MEZ begins major projects for the year Mactan EnerZone Corporation (MEZ) started to implement its major projects for the year last September 8. The company started its substation backfilling project which covers the entire empty area of the substation.

This is in preparation for the planned road concreting and construction of an additional warehouse which will be a storage area for MEZ’s slow moving equipment for next year. The project costs about Php 400,000.00 and will take a month to be completed and it will give MEZ substation a better look once it’s done.

A week later the company initiated the prebidding for the construction of foundation and steel fabrication for MEZ’s brand new Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR).

This equipment will serve the company’s biggest customer, Lexmark Philippines, with a steady voltage level since the transformer that supplies the feeder was an Off-Load Type.

In addition with the AVR installation is the NGCP metering transfer project which is both scheduled at the end of the year during the substation’s preventive maintenance schedule. The existing structure of MEZ metering is already dilapidated and will be replaced by a more rigid structure near the control room.

Lastly, MEZ will install a Gang-Operated Air Break Switch (GOABS) during the scheduled preventive maintenance on December so that the company can easily disconnect from NGCP’s 69kV system anytime. As of now, the line serves MEZ and MECO thus both companies is dependent on the scheduled shut down of the line in order to do works downstream of the power system particularly on the 69kV side line upgrading. -BY KIM KHYBER ANTON NIÑO ANG

Mactan EnerZone Corporation (MEZ) President and CEO Jim Aboitiz (in blue shirt) flanked by some of MEZ's team leaders and team members during the blessing rites of their new building.

MEZ TRANSFERS TO NEW ADMIN OFFICE

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ast June 2, Mactan EnerZone Corporation (MEZ) transferred to its new office located at the 2nd floor of the iMEZ Building, Pueblo Verde, Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

The new office serves as the company’s billing and collection center and administration office. It is also occupied by employees from Balamban EnerZone Corporation (BEZ), Aboitiz Energy Solutions, and Advent Energy Incorporated, all under the AboitizPower Corporation.

The office employs biometric access to its

doors in order to monitor and control entry.

And as part of the company’s participation in the Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge, the lighting system uses electronic ballasts to save energy. The air-conditioning system and LCD projectors were carefully chosen to consume less energy.

The blessing rite was held last August 20 and was graced by the presence of MEZ President & CEO Jimmy Aboitiz, SVP & COO Dante Pollescas, Director Benjie Cariaso Jr., and AVP & General Manager Irwin Pagdalian. -BY KIM KHYBER ANTON NIÑO ANG and DIANNE IRIS UBASA

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NEWS effort that team members have exerted to make the company and its efforts relevant.

He also emphasized always having to give our best to the company in order to serve our customers well.

Sarmiento, for his part, assured of the management’s commitment to help achieve the goals presented. He called on everyone to emphasize to their team members the need to thoroughly understand their customer’s needs. “Be thorough, but temper your promises,” said Sarmiento.

The success of the 2nd Mancon is a tribute to the efforts of the Human Resource Team, spearheaded by Aniga. -BY ETHEL NATERA

Engineering Group holds Mini-Management Conference

VECO TEAM LEADERS AIM HIGH

VECO team leaders, led by President Dennis Garcia (2nd from right), EVP & COO Jim Aboitiz, VP for Finance Ma. Chona Tiu, and VP for Utility Economics Arlo Angelo Sarmiento gather for the company's 2nd Management Conference.

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isayan Electric Company (VECO) TLs are gearing for the impending implementation of the Performance Based Regulation (PBR) regime, which the Energy Regulatory Commission is set to approve anytime soon.

VECO EVP and COO Jim Aboitiz emphasized this during the 2nd VECO Management Conference (Mancon) held last May 21 at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

Aboitiz said there is a need to maximize the implementation of the PBR, which he considers the distribution utility firm’s lifeblood in the years to come. The PBR, he added, will help provide VECO with stability as it will give the company an idea of its rates for a four-year period.

With the PBR, team leaders and team members have to work together to ensure certain benchmarks are met. To achieve operational efficiency, execution has to be faster, better, and on time.

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“With customers getting excellent service, they will not complain and will gladly pay their bills,” said Aboitiz.

Also during the Mancon, Aboitiz sounded the call to team leaders for them to aim high.

“If you want to improve, aim high,” rallied Aboitiz. “You will find a way to achieve it.”

And aim high they did. Stylish and skillful goal presentations impressed top management, headed by President Dennis Garcia, VP for Utility Economics Arlo Sarmiento, VP for Finance Chona Tiu, AVP for HR Sye Aniga, and Aboitiz.

The Mancon gave the entire VECO team a better perspective of the directions the various departments and groups are taking – all surging forward to promote teamwork and the alignment of everyone’s goals.

Garcia explained in his opening remarks the two basic elements for success are teamwork and loyalty. He acknowledged the drive and

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he Engineering Group of VECO held a minimanagement conference (Mancon) last June 10 to allow its members to communicate the goals they have set for the team and determine whether these are aligned with the company’s goals.

With the theme “Teamwork and Loyalty – Driving the Culture,” the Mancon was participated in by all engineering and allied departments and was held at the Olympic Room of the Baseline Restaurant.

Major goals, challenges, strengths and support needed were presented by allied departments namely Human Resources, Customer Retail Services, and Procurement and Logistics. These were also presented by group according to the specific services they provide namely, Customer Services Group (Line Services, Power Metering, Geographic Information Systems, Power System Design, Distribution Service, Street Light and Pole Attachment); Support Group (Materials Management Quality Audit, Occupational Safety, Health and Environment, Technical Skills Training, Motor Pool, Engineering Information); and the Operations Group (Power System Design, Power System Planning, Substation and Electrical Equipment System Operation and Distribution Network).

Emphasis was also placed on the teams’ WIGS (wildly important goals). Aside from the wellprepared presentation, surprise gifts were also given out to the audience. -BY IAN FABIAN

NEWS

VECO proposes 69-kV switching station for SMC Amid power supply issues that continue to hound the Philippine power industry, VECO recognizes that constant and uninterrupted power supply is imperative for its clients, particularly those in the business sector.

Power quality and reliability are two performance standards, which are exactly what San Miguel Corporation (SMC) needs from the distribution utility.

VECO TMC chapter president Irwin Pagdalian delivers his graduation speech for the Advanced Communicators Manual.

VECO TMC ACHIEVES BACK-TO-BACK FEAT

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our members of the Visayan Electric Company Toastmasters Club (VECO TMC) completed the Competent Communicator course last June 9.

A letter from Toastmasters International Executive Director Daniel Rex lauded the communication, public speaking, and leadership skills of Ma. Teresa Coloyan, Marcelo Canitan, Jesse Serrano, and Dante Misterio, as they accomplished 10 speeches in the basic communication and leadership program manual.

“If not for Management's continued support to VECO Toastmasters Club, we would not have achieved this honor,” said incoming VTMC President Coloyan.

The Toastmaster International communication program is a training program that helps participants improve their speaking and leadership skills in a club environment. Participants are tasked to complete a series of rigorous assignments

which provide instruction and practice in the basic techniques of public speaking.

With the spirited efforts of VECO TMC President Jeffrey Belotindos, Coloyan, Serrano, Canitan, Misterio, Irwin Pagdalian, and Mark John Romera, the group was given the first President's Distinguished Club Award from Toastmasters International. This prestigious award is the highest recognition given to a club that has successfully achieved 9 out of 10 goals in a Toastmaster's year.

Pagdalian and Belotindos are now advanced communicators after completing two (10 speeches) advanced communication and leadership program manuals. In addition, Romera and Pagdalian also brought honor to the club for their recognition as competent leaders.

“I hope this inspires others to join the VTMC,” said VECO EVP and COO Jim Aboitiz. -BY JASMINE NIKKI PAREDES

In a consultative meeting with SMC-Mandaue Complex executives last June 25, the idea of setting up a 69-kV switching station to serve the entire SMC complex was formally brought up. Engineers Bailey del Castillo and Mark Kindica, managers of the Power System Design and Power System Planning Departments, explained to SMC executives the objective behind the switching station. It will allow for a more flexible and reliable subtransmission system. With three different sources for the 69-kV line, SMC can be assured that the transfer of source during emergencies can be done in a few seconds.

Emergency response time will be minimized as compared to the existing set-up.

SMC Power Plant Manager Allan Olmilla and VECO Key Account Representative for SMC Marcelo Canitan are hopeful of the project’s early approval. The project proponents believe this is a long-term solution to the problems currently besetting the company.

For their part, VECO VP for Admin and Customer Service Ricky Lacson and SMC AVP and Complex Manager Jesus Cortes Jr. emphasized the joint desire of the two companies for minimal or no outages at all. Lacson said that stepping up the bar of customer service is one goal the company has always espoused.

SMC has been a trusted VECO partner towards alleviating the lack of power supply. As a participant in the Interruptible Load Program, SMC voluntarily deloads its power needs for the benefit of other customers who are not as fortunate to have its own generator.

-BY ETHEL NATERA

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NEWS

COTABATO LIGHT WIDENS CONNECTIVITY OPTION

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ith its desire to keep its customers informed and connected, Cotabato Light launched its official website, “www. cotabatolight.com,” last July 22.

The Content Management System (CMS) training followed on July 23 to 24 attended by the company’s Branding and CorpCom Officer Donjie Vertuoso and IT staff Re Perry Gallos. It was conducted by web developer Ingenuity Technology Consulting of Davao City.

With today’s technology, computers are fast becoming a household necessity.

Now, the power to be informed and to keep in touch with Cotabato Light is at the finger tips of every customer. With the new website, customers can post their comments, complaints, inquiries and suggestions online. They may also know more about the company, including company news, projects and updates.

There are also mini-surveys posted online to gather feedbacks to improve customer service.

Undeniably, the net is one effective communication tool to build stronger ties and deeper understanding between

Cotabato Light's website. Another milestone of the company's customer service.

the company and its customers. With the website, queries, suggestions, and complaints can be easily forwarded to the company.

With the Cotabato Light Website, Radio

Program, and telephone lines - consumers have many options to reach Cotabato Light at their most convenient way possible. This is another manifestation that the company is always glad to keep connected with its customers. -BY DONJIE VERTUOSO

VINTAGE ENGINE BACK ON TRACK

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otabato Light’s 54-year-old Unit-10 (U-10) engine has been restored and is back on track with a maximum load allowable to deliver power to the utility’s customers.

The U-10 engine increased Cotabato Light’s power plant capability to 8.1 MW from 7.45 MW, a performance that is good enough for a vintage engine. The unit had not been operating for more than a year because of the three cracked engine cylinder heads, which have been replaced. The USmade Enterprise Diesel Engine was manufactured in 1956 and bought second hand from Jolo, Sulu and commissioned at Cotabato Light in 1967. - BY JONATHAN ACOSTA

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MIDST OF DIFFICULTIES

AboitizPower holds Crisis Management Workshop

BY RAYMUND TAMAYO

Davao Light VP for Engineering Rodger Velasco (with the mic) addresses members of the media in a mock press conference conducted during the Crisis Management & Communication workshop at the Rancho Palos Verdes Sports and Country Club in Davao City, August 19. Other members of the "simulated" Crisis Management Team included (seated from L to R) Cotabato Light VP & Resident Manager Cris Ferolino, Cotabato Light Regulatory and Finance Manager Joseph Lua, and Subic EnerZone Administration and Customer Service Group Manager Edgar Caluza.

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COVER STORY

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oday, businesses and organizations have become more vulnerable to standard operational risks due to the increasingly unpredictable global economic and social climate. As a result, companies are under increased pressure to consider their social and corporate responsibility to be prepared for incidents or crises that may impact their daily operations.

Every organization, no matter what size, should be thoroughly prepared for a time of crisis. The PR team should be fully aware of any possible dangers that they could potentially face if the inevitable were to happen. The occurrence of a crisis is not limited to any particular reason and can happen from numerous possibilities depending on the nature of a company and other external factors.

Those businesses that recognize and prepare for unplanned events have a much greater likelihood of achieving operational

Team members from VECO, Davao Light, Subic EnerZone, and Cotabato Light brainstorm during one of the activities in the seminar.

The Chinese have two symbols for the word crisis: the first is “wei” meaning danger or peril, and the second is “ji” meaning opportunity or crucial point. Literally, “wei ji” means danger plus opportunity. This means that there is always an opportunity in every crisis situation and one must become aware of it.

Crises are inevitable. Sooner or later it will come. They are also unpredictable and sometimes even uncontrollable events.

However, with proper approach and strategy, the negative impacts of crises can be substantially mitigated through coordinated planning and preparation. assurance when a crisis strikes. Companies have an increasing responsibility to their customers, employees, the media, and shareholders to demonstrate their corporate values and success through their ability to assure business operational integrity regardless of the external pressures being applied. There is an assumed trust that the company’s management will deal with crisis adversity with foresight and confidence. In the practical world, this trust is measured by

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the extent of operational assurance during and after a crisis, and with an optimal outcome for the company’s employees, its customers, and its reputation.

Crisis management is an essential component in an organization nowadays.

The benefits of good crisis management can literally save lives, save money, and save an organization from devastation. Any group that isn’t prepared for a crisis will be constantly at risk.

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Recognizing this, AboitizPower Corporation brought together more than 30 team leaders from 11 power companies of the Aboitiz Group for a Crisis Management and Communication Workshop held last August 18 to 19 at the Rancho Palos Verdes Sports and Country Club in Davao City.

Ritzi Ronquillo, an accredited public relations professional and former Meralco PR officer, talked about the basics of Crisis Management and focused on “Making a

COVER STORY Crisis Communication Plan.” She explained the importance of PR when dealing with any crisis. Ronquillo also said that “CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is very important in good times. So that in bad times, the communities you are taking care of will protect you themselves.”

“The greatest time for relationship building is during the pre-crisis stage,” she added. “Remember that preparing for crisis is done before it arrives not during or afterwards.”

Former Head of the Public Relations team of Globe Telecom Jones Campos gave an informative presentation on “Preparing to Communicate a Crisis.” He provided valuable tips on how to make an effective Crisis Management Manual, which the accomplishment of such is one of the main objectives of the workshop.

Campos said that “crises can happen to any

company – even the ones that are most prepared. But always take each crisis as a learning situation to further strengthen the company’s image and reputation.”

Veteran journalist Antonio Ajero started off the afternoon session with an interesting presentation of the results of a survey he conducted on “Media handling of Davao Light and Hedcor.” It was a verbatim text survey responded by some of the Mindanao media. The participants learned a lot from the raw, unedited positive and negative comments of the respondents.

Lastly, newspaper columnist and Aboitiz Group PR consultant Lelani Echaves shared her knowledge on the “Do’s and Don’ts During an Interview.” She played some videos of interviews conducted on TV and noted some mishandling of the interviewer and the interviewees. She also discussed about how critical body language is when being interviewed. Mock TV interviews

were done and examined to close out the first day of learnings.

The second day proved to be more nerve-wracking and educational. The participants were divided into two groups – the Power Generation team and the Power Distribution team – for a mock press conference based on the crisis management case assigned to them.

The participants were “grilled” by invited media practitioners by asking difficult questions, giving them a taste of what it was like to deal with the media during a crisis. They gained knowledge on how to treat the media and to conduct one's self properly in a press conference with valuable insights from the media guests.

Overall, a lot of learning was acquired and everyone was expected to apply the wisdom they gained from it when they go back to their respective offices.

Davao Light and Cotabato Light SVP and COO Art Milan gave some valuable insights after the mock press conference.

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CUSTOMER WELFARE

NEW PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR DAVAO LIGHT CUSTOMERS Davao Light VP Bien Garcia (left) greets Manuel Lorenzo Tuason (right), CIS Bayad Center President and CEO, to seal the collection agreement partnership between the two companies.

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avao Light recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with CIS Bayad Center Inc. to be its new collection service partner in accepting electric bill payments from its customers.

This is in line with the company’s thrust to provide maximum convenience for customers.

and full or partial payments even after the due date. These collection centers are located within Davao Light’s franchise and other areas in the Davao region.

The CIS Bayad Center accredited payment outlets include Western Union, USSC, Mail and More, and Villarica Pawnshops.

The MOA signing last July 15 between VP Bien Garcia and AVP Signing of the MOA with CIS Bayad Center. for Admin and Coop Relations Eduardo Quevedo, VP for CIS Bayad Center Inc. Tan for Davao Light, and Manuel Lorenzo sealed the collection partnership. -BY Tuason, President and CEO, and Francisco EMILY CANCIO

These outlets are authorized to accept payments whether for green or red bill

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CUSTOMER WELFARE

COTABATO LIGHT, SUBIC ENERZONE VECO rehabilitates TAKE ON PROJECT PEARL wiring system of otabato Light TMs from the service delivery,” said Arsenio Sacamos, Engineering and Administrative Davao Light Customer Service Group sections underwent a hands-on Manager. He was joined by CC&B trainer four schools training on the Customer Care and Billing Karen Mirafuentes during the orientation.

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(CC&B) System – Project Pearl 2 last June 29.

Project Pearl, which was launched in 2009 for the entire AboitizPower Distribution Group by EVP and COO Jimmy Aboitiz, is the project name for the CC&B systems developed by Oracle.

The CC&B is an integrated customer care software that will replace the various inhouse developed systems currently in use.

The first phase, or Project Pearl 1, has been implemented in VECO. Project Pearl 2 will be implemented in Cotabato Light and Davao Light.

“Today’s challenges will make it easy for us in the long run. We are implementing this project for us to improve our customer service and to make us globally competitive. Our stakeholders are assured that we are using world class systems and

Meanwhile, Subic EnerZone Corporation (SEZ) also held its Project Pearl training last August 2 to 14 at the SEZ admin office in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The participants were trained by VECO’s Jo Samson, Bianca Aledo, and Barry Sta. Ana.

CC&B is a system that supports the billing process. It integrates the CIS system and specialist in many aspects, such as customer information, service connection, meter reading, billing, payment processing, and credit and collection, among others.

Though it has many sub-systems, CC&B’s strength is the integration of different functions into one cohesive product.

The end-user’s training is still ongoing. The project is expected to go live this October.

-WITH REPORTS FROM MARY MAE SIANG AND YOLLY CAWAGAS

Four elementary schools in Cebu will benefit from an energy audit and electrical-system upgrade of the Visayan Electric Company (VECO). This project answers the need to provide safety for students, teachers, and the surrounding communities which might be affected by fire.

The school beneficiaries were Arcelo Memorial High School (AMHS) in Liloan, Garing National High School (GNHS) in Consolacion, Pasil Night High School (PNHS) in Cebu City, and Cansojong National High School (CNHS) in Talisay City. Incidentally, AMHS was Aboitiz Foundation’s first recipient of a three-classroom project in 1996.

VECO EVP and COO Jimmy Aboitiz led the MOA signing ceremonies with school officials. Also present were Aboitiz Foundation EVP and Managing Director Sonny Carpio and VECO VP for Admin and Customer Service Group Ricky Lacson.

In selecting the school beneficiaries, VECO and Aboitiz Foundation followed certain criteria: the oldest school constructed by Aboitiz Foundation in the identified city or municipality, condition of the electrical system after an energy audit, number of school buildings, number of students, distance from the fire station, and road access.

Schools which face the highest risk of fire due to problems with their electrical system are determined this way.

Remoteness and lack of access to fire hydrants are important factors to consider.

Work will include installation of piping, wiring, switches, lighting fixtures, circuit breakers with enclosures and outlets. -BY ETHEL NATERA

Cotabato Light CC&B end-users receive hands-on training on the new Oracle system.

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CUSTOMER WELFARE

COTABATO LIGHT DOES CFL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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he call for environmental protection and energy conservation is evidently a global concern. Nowadays, the effects of global warming can be felt and seen everywhere - earth's temperature varies significantly affecting ecological balance.

Our country, the Philippines, is one of the signatories of the Kyoto Protocol committed to participate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Cotabato Light joined the Department of Energy’s (DoE) Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) Exchange or “Palit-Ilaw” Program since August 10 and is still ongoing. DoE provided 33,000 CFLs for the company to use.

This program is under the government's National Energy Efficiency Project (NEEP) through the DoE, made in coordination with

the country's electric DUs. With this program, residential electric consumers are encouraged to switch from using incandescent bulbs to energy-saving CFLs. Customers using 25 to 75W bulbs may exchange it with 15W CFLs. Busted incandescent bulbs are not qualified for exchange, only those that are still functioning. Customers were encouraged to install the CFLs immediately to enjoy the immediate savings.

It is believed that there are 40 million incandescent bulbs being used in the coutry today. If we reduce its usage, we will also significantly reduce the amount of heat produced by power plants.

By switching to CFLs, we will also reduce our power requirements thus minimizing power

VECO COMMENDS SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT LAW

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isayan Electric Company (VECO) commends the recent enactment of RA No. 9994, otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010”.

Section 4a of RA 9994 grants a minimum 5% discount on the electricity consumption of senior citizens and Section 5d grants at least 50% discount to qualified senior citizens center and residual care/group homes.

However, the company is currently waiting for the supplemental Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) to be issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue or the Energy Regulatory Commission. The IRRs will set the scope and limitations of the relevant legal provisions, including qualifications of senior citizen grantees and thus avoid conflict with respect to the interpretation and application of the law.

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Article 12 Section 3 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9984 gives the ERC six months after the effectivity of the IRR to come up with the supplemental rules on the discount implementation. After this period, DUs like VECO have 30 days from effectivity to begin implementation of the discounts.

For the meantime, here are the basic requirements to avail of the 5% discount to households [Section 4c]: a) Meter must be registered in the name of the senior citizen for at least 1 year; b) The senior citizen must be residing in the household; c) Monthly consumption does not exceed 100kWh; and d) Discount is per household regardless of

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A Cotabato Light customer exchanges his incandescent bulbs for CFLs.

shortages in the future. The challenge on protecting our environment is a huge task, but the journey to a better future starts with small steps. -BY OLIVER MAKILANG the number of senior citizens residing.

The senior citizen or his representative shall apply for the discount with VECO. There shall be an annual renewal of the application. The applicant must also submit documents as proof of age and citizenship, proof of billing, and proof of residence.

On the other hand, senior citizen centers, residential care institutions, or group homes must be DSWD-accredited to avail of the 50% discount as provided for in Section 5d of the Expanded Senior Citizen's Act. The center must be either government run or organized and operated by non-stock, nonprofit domestic corporations primarily for the purpose of promoting the well-being of abandoned, neglected, unattached or homeless senior citizens. It must have been in operation for at least 6 months, and with a separate meter for electricity.

VECO will continue to advise the public on further developments and the actual date that the discount will be given. -BY ETHEL NATERA

CUSTOMER WELFARE

CUSTOMER DEPENDENTS GET COTABATO LIGHT SCHOLARSHIP Three freshmen college students of Notre Dame University were recently given scholarship grants by Cotabato Light under its Customer’s Dependents Scholarship Program. The awarding was done last June 4 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement at the company’s conference room and was graced by VP & Resident Manager Cris Ferolino.

The beneficiaries screened were among the top five graduates of public high

schools within the franchise area of Cotabato Light, who also enrolled in the course requirement set by the company - Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical), Business and Accountancy, and IT. They are also among those whose parents' annual income is not more than 150,000 pesos. Also, the account registered under his parent or guardian is consuming only an average of 150kWh with no service contract violations with Cotabato Light.

The scholars were Solayman Maso, Datu Siang National High School; Omar Akmad, Rojas National High School; and Maurice Ondoy Cotabato City National High SchoolMain. The program covers full tuition fee, book allowance and lab fee at a maximum of P25,000 per semester with an additional transportation allowance of P1,000 per month for each scholar.

“We're just instruments for you to have a brighter future, take care of it and use it to your advantage to achieve your goals in life. We also hope that you become good and productive citizens of our country.

Someday you too shall help other people and promote peace in your own capacity,” Ferolino said. -BY ANNA LEA LEE NATAÑO

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FEATURES

RUNNING FEVER R

unning has become a passion of Visayan Electric Company (VECO). Proof of this is the organization of the 110-member VECO Power Runners. A core member, Judith Ocana of the Community Relations Department, is fast proving to be the company’s running queen with top-five finishes in three races the past three months. Her latest was a second place finish in the 5-kilometer Alumni division of the 1st Recoletos Run last August 29, with a time of under 23 minutes.

The victory was especially memorable for Judith who hardly had time to prepare for the race. Judith and the Community Relations Department have been busy with numerous Corporate Social Responsibility projects.

In the Aboitiz Race for the Next Gen marathon, Judith clocked in at a shade over 23 minutes good enough for fifth place. VECO was the biggest and loudest delegation in the race with 110 registered runners.

Four female VECO Power Runners finished in the top 10 of the Aboitiz Group 3k category. Jary Sibonghanoy of the Power Metering Department (PMD) was at first, Shynn Limpangug of the Business Solutions Department (BSD) came in second, while Meh Yuamador of the Customer Service Group (CSG) and Lorie Alvarez of PMD were in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

In the Men’s division, three of the top 10 finishers also came from VECO. Jimnard Leonor of PMD came in at fifth, Noel Congcong of the Geographic Information System Department (GIS) was at eighth, and Archie Malasador of System Operation Department (SOD) was at tenth.

Eight VECO runners joined the 21k category.

Four guys came from the Procurement and Logistics Department (PLD): Victor de Gracia, Chino Penaflor, Joseph Canen and Resty Rabillas

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finished the race. The other finishers were Marven Ponce of Quality Audit Department (QAD), Jason Abaniel of SOD, Ramontito Omboy of PMD, and Dennis Verallo of UEG. Way to go for first timers in the 21k category!

Ma’am Sye Aniga, our ever-supportive AVP for Human Resources, also joined the Race for the Next Gen run. She cheered on the runners and gave them all the support they needed. Earlier, VECO EVP and COO Jimmy Aboitiz challenged each and every one of the registered runners

to finish the race by placing a pledge in their behalf for Aboitiz employees’ Christmas Outreach Program.

The running fever has been such that even family members of team members have joined in. I have become a stage mother to my 13-year-old son, James Christopher, who has participated in two consecutive races so far. The running bug has bitten him and he is loving it.

-BY ETHEL NATERA

Davao Light lady guard returns found wallets It is really hard to make both ends meet in life nowadays, but for Gemma Telewik, a lady security guard assigned at Davao Light’s Bajada branch office stood by her principles when she found three wallets in the company’s office premises.

The wallets, left by paying customers, were found while she was doing her usual rounds at the Rondez Collection Office. Shortly after, she surrendered the found items to her immediate superior, and then one of the owners came to claim his wallet.

Rodolfo Boston, who came together with his wife, seemed extremely relieved after the wallet was handed back to him.

Gemma Telewik, a security guard assigned at Davao Light's Bajada collection office, returns one of the wallets “Salamat sa Diyos kay nakit-an akong she had found to its owner, Rodolfo Boston. pitaka. Dako akong pasalamat kay mao “Upon seeing the wallets, I know that I have to return na lang ni ang nabilin nakong kuwarta ug maglisod it back to its rightful owners. I can sleep well at night nako ug kuha balik sa mga importante nga ID (Thank because my conscience is clear, and I know that the God that my wallet was found because it will be food I provide for my family comes from my own difficult for me to get another set of IDs),” Boston sweat and blood,” Telewik said translated from her said. He said he immediately returned to the Davao native dialect when asked if it did not cross her mind Light office after discovering that he had probably left to pocket the money from the wallets found. it there.

The wallet containing one thousand nine hundred fifty As of this writing the two remaining wallets have pesos (P1,950.00) and other pertinent documents yet to be claimed by its owners but were kept at the and identification cards was found inside the comfort company’s Safety Department. -BY EMILY CANCIO room.

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FEATURES

FEATURES

THE BEAUTY OF

COLLABORATION DAVAO LIGHT'S SIBULAN PROJECT

Team Davao Light (from L to R): Jonathan Medalla, Nolasco Padillo, Allan Calag, Mark Lloyd Acosta, Dennis Gica, Leo Lungay (Project Engineer), Archer Gellacone, Jay Duluguin, and Galen Ray Alova.

O

n a quiet afternoon in March 2010, an additional 13 MW of power was delivered to the grid where Davao Light is part of. The source: Hedcor Sibulan Inc. Normally, this additional power would be seen as it is; just another power source added to the grid. But with the current power crisis, it was a needed shot on the arm.

Light to implement the project. Though the latter has been constructing substations and transmission and distribution lines, it was always only for its in-house and operational needs. It was the first time Davao Light implemented a project for another company – in this case, for Hedcor. This project turned a new page in the company’s history.

This happened after the completion of the “Sibulan Project” last March. The newlyconstructed hydropower generation plant of Hedcor is capable of generating 42 MW of clean and renewable energy, thus the need to construct transmission lines and a switch yard to connect its power to the grid to be utilized by the customers. Hedcor turned to Aboitiz Energy Solutions (AESI) to facilitate the management of the said project.

The 21-kilometer 69kV transmission line project spans from Davao’s Inawayan Bridge all the way to Quimpo Boulevard. This line will serve as the feeder that connects Hedcor to the grid. At the middle of this is the Puan Switching Station. Davao Light also provided technical assistance, consultations, and gave solicited opinion to Hedcor on its own transmission lines project, connecting two generating plants. The total project cost is around P150M. Davao Light is slated to receive a management fee pursuant to the

AESI in turn tapped the expertise of Davao

agreement with Hedcor and AESI. Team Davao Light was initially led by Mark Valencia. He took the responsibility as project manager in 2007, while at the same time remaining actively involved in the everyday operations of the company as its AVP. By the middle of 2009, the task of leading the team was passed on to Virmel “Kyd” Dabon, fresh from his stint in Cotabato Light. He is a substation and transmission lines design engineer and is now the manager of the Technical Training Department.

“The Project is excellent and the Davao Light team is world class with high regard on safety and professionalism,” said Hedcor Operations and Maintenance Manager Nuel Medelo. “My message to them is thank you for your continuous and undying support to Hedcor Inc.” -BY LEO LUNGAY

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FEATURES

PROFILES:

ED’S NOTE: Beginnning this issue, The Post will be featuring two team member profiles of Kaibigans from different AboitizPower DUs. We start off right now with two from Davao Light and Power Company.

and worked as a Typing Clerk. “Lisod pa kaayo sa una kay wala pay kompyuter (I had a hard time before since there was no computer yet),” said Sonny. “Akoa tanan ang trabaho except sa inventory (I do all the work except for inventory).”

But all his hard work and perseverance paid off when he was given the Best Employee Award in 1989. During the interview, he proudly showed me a photocopy of the certificate of his award not knowing that he still has two more award certificates with him, all for being the best employee of the year.

When I do the math, I realized that it has been 27 long years for him already in serving the company. So I asked Sonny what made him stay in Davao Light and he answered with a smile on his face: “Nagdugay ko para makatabang sa akong pamilya ug tungod kay gusto dyod kaayo nako akong trabaho diri. Ako proud dyod kaayo na taga-Davao Light ko kay in times sa kalisod, naa dyod ang Davao Light pirmi (I stayed with Davao Light because I want to help my family, and above all I love my job here. I am proud to be part of Davao Light because the company was with me in all times that I went though trying times).”

Sonny Co: The Amiable Man “I

n times sa kalisod, naa dyod ang Davao Light pirmi (In hard times, Davao Light is there for us).”

when I interviewed him recently, he said work is what he needs so why complain.

A typical day for most Davao Light employees start at 8:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM, but with Sonny Co, Data Management Department Supervisor, everything is different. He starts his work day at 3:00 PM and ends at 11:00 PM. For many, this may not be a good schedule but

Sonny Aleman Co, born on October 31, 1958, was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting in the University of Mindanao. After graduation, he was hired in Davao Light and started working as an Audit Inventory Clerk in 1982.

After a year he was regularized and was transferred to the Accounting Department

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Before I ended the interview, I asked him for an inspiring message he could give to new employees like me and this is what he said: “Dapat naa dyod initiative ug dedicated sa work, dili magpaisipan na kung unsa imong trabaho mao ra pud imong himuon. Dapat mutabang ka sa imong kauban, team player kumbaga (Whoever joins the company should have the initiative and is dedicated in his work; should be a team player and not confine himself to what is provided in his work description. He must be ready and willing to help other employees).” -BY RUANN MAY POGADO

FEATURES

Edgar Orilla: The Pioneer “I love my work because I love my family.”

One of the pioneers of Davao Light's Panabo branch office is Edgar Maglanque Orilla. Born in Minglanilla, Cebu City on September 1, 1966, Edgar started working as an electrician in two companies in Cebu.

But because the companies provide him no benefits and he feared of his safety as an electric maintenance personnel, he resigned and went to Davao to look for better opportunities.

Fortunately, in January 15, 1993, Edgar was hired as a temporary employee by Davao Light and worked as a truck driver. Due to his good performance, he was regularized

as a service lineman on May 1, 1994 and was assigned to the then newly-built Panabo branch. He gladly accepted the assignment and together with his family moved from Davao to reside in Panabo.

He was also part of the team that assisted during the Aboitiz take over of VECO in Cebu.

In a recent interview, he shared the difference of working in Davao Light from his past employers. “Ang Davao Light naay concern sa mga employees dili sama sa akong mga naagian na mga kompanya (Davao Light has more concern for its employees, not like the companies I’ve worked for before).” Currently, Edgar audits the company's accredited contractors

(PLECS, PSECO, CoTrades, etc.). He was also part of the pole erection project from Lasang to Sto. Tomas that includes the energization of the Mapula area.

When asked for an inspiring message, this is what he simply said “Love yourself, your family and God kay kulang ka sa trabaho if wala ka ani (Love yourself, your family and God because you will not be complete at work without these).”

Because of his dedication and passion for his work, Edgar was promoted from to confidential status as a Quality Audit and Safety Officer in the Panabo Office last April 1.

Kudos to Edgar, the man from Cebu who now invades the city of Panabo. -BY RUANN MAY POGADO

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CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

S

ubic EnerZone Corporation (SEZ) presented its first batch of high school scholars in a short program at the company’s administration building at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last July 12.

The 10 SEZ high school scholars are Clarice Racsa, Krizzel Prado, Fatima Falsario, Kimberly Ann Domingo, Regina Chloe Menor, Rav Dexter Nayo, and Joshua Justine Ramos from the Regional Science High School; Gem Rio Serrano and Janna Dominique Oliva from the Olongapo City National High School; and Marisa Barrera from Gordon The scholars with EnerZones' SVP & COO Dante Pollescas (left) and HR Head Mars Escobar (rightmost), and SEZ Heights High School.

CorpCom and Branding Officer Raymund Tamayo.

This marked the first year SEZ is giving deserving public high school students in the grade average and no grade below 88%), scholarship grants. Under its scholarship Subic Freeport, Olongapo City, Zambales, family financial status, and should be a project, the company will give 10 grants and Bataan. Scholars are chosen based on graduate of a public elementary school. every year for five years starting 2010, to academic performance (should have a 90% -BY RAYMUND TAMAYO

SEZ PRESENTS FIRST BATCH OF SCHOLARS

Cotabato Light Distributes Scholarship Funds Cotabato Light VP and Resident Manager Cris Ferolino gives a P3,000–cash gift to one of eight public school studentbeneficiaries of the company’s educational assistance program.

COTABATO LIGHT COMPLETES CLASSROOM REFURBISHMENTS. Cotabato Light has completed the 6-classroom refurbishment at the Sultan Kudarat National High School (SKNHS).

About P975,000 was spent for the project. The turnover ceremony was held last July 27 headed

by Cotabato Light VP & Resident Manager Cris Ferolino, as accepted by school principal Datu Karnain Mamadra. (BY ANNA LEA LEE NATAÑO and DONJIE VERTUOSO)

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The students received their yearly allowance to cover for school needs like uniforms and other miscellaneous expenses. The scholars are Farhana Jane Linso and Rhaineema Sakandal from ND Village National High Shool; Bai Omairah Yusop and Alladin Ork from Canizares NHS; Mohamadsaid Gandawali and Honey Fe Gimarangan from Laboratory; and Datu Norhamidin Mamasainged and Mary Emerald Lazaga from CCNHS – Rojas Site.

-BY MICHELLE PRUDENTE

CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

ABOITIZ SET TO REPEAT GROUPWIDE TREE-PLANTING October 16 is another day offered by the Aboitiz Group for planet Earth.

On that day, twenty Aboitiz companies, spearheaded by AboitizPower, will again conduct a Groupwide Simultaneous TreePlanting activity. These Aboitiz business units from all over the country will at the same time hold a tree-planting activity in their respective service areas.

To review, around 1,300 Aboitiz team members planted 30,000 seedlings in many

sites nationwide for the project's run in 2009. Those trees were enough to capture 680 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. CO2 is one of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.

In Luzon, 80 Subic EnerZone team members planted 1,000 saplings of various fruit trees at the Mt. Sta. Rita Reforestation area in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The Pilmico Animal Nutrition team in Tarlac had 70 volunteers who planted

1,000 ilang ilang seedlings in Sitio Kawili-wili, Barangay Cut-Cut II in Capas.

Manila-based Aboitiz companies had 419 volunteers who planted at the Marikina Watershed in Antipolo City. Meanwhile, 58 volunteers from SNAP-Benguet planted 1,000 seedlings in Tarlac.

The Cebu-based teams, composed of over 720 volunteers, planted about 20,000 indigenous saplings in a 12-hectare area in Bojo, Aloguinsan.

In Mindanao, Davao Light led 350 volunteers including those from UnionBank, City Savings, 2GO, Hedcor, and ATS in planting 3,000 seedlings at Punta Dumalag in Davao City. -BY RAYMUND TAMAYO

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CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

Davao Light EVP Art Milan hands over a check to one of the company's 71 college scholars during ceremonies held at the company's administration office building. The check is for the tuition subsidy for the first semester of school year 2010-2011. Witnessing the handover are the other scholars and Davao Light's Comrel Manager Vic Sumalinog.

DAVAO LIGHT'S CSR ACTIVITIES

The scholars whose grants started this school year are Sigrid N. Cubil, Marielle Mae P. Paler, Jayson Lolo, Peter Jules Canete, Crisa Vieve Aresco, Jade Mark Salubre, Cherry Ann Y. Garcia, Blessy G. Cabrera, Jemillie Rodicol, Lyn Mae Gonzales, Wella Marie Wong, Charles Michael Bandayanon, Rose Ann Sabillo, Leonemae Alcano, Imelda P. Duran, Marinar Fe Latada, Norman James Magallon, and Jomarie P. Bonete.

DENTAL, MEDICAL OUTREACH IN MANDUG

D

avao Light supported Barangay Mandug in Davao’s Buhangin district during their Araw ng Barangay with a dental and medical outreach, August 7.

Last March, 10 Davao Light scholars graduated from college. One of them, Laurice Cyn Pondoyo of the USeP – Mintal campus who took up BS in Agri-economics, finished magna cum laude.

SCHOLARSHIP FOR 10 BOYS TOWN WARDS

Barangay Captain Rosita Nerez received the medicines donated by the company. Eight retired employees of Davao Light later joined the company’s Community Relations Department officials in the outreach activity.

The secondary education of ten young male wards at the Davao City Welfare Action Foundation, more popularly known as Boys Town, is ensured this school year amidst rising incidence of poverty.

EIGHTEEN NEW SCHOLARS Davao Light & Power Company has granted scholarships to 18 more college students and has renewed the grants it has given to 33 scholars studying at various colleges and universities in Davao.

This is after Davao Light turned over last August 25 a financial assistance of P150,000 for the boys shelter institution at the Boys Town compound in Ma-a, Davao City. The support is now on its 10th year.

The 18 new scholars are the second batch of beneficiaries of the company’s high school education financial incentives program.

Of the 18, four are now enrolled at Ateneo de Davao University, two at the University of the Philippines – Mindanao, four at the University of Mindanao, three at the Holy Cross of Davao College, two at the University of Southeastern Philippines, and one each at Davao Doctors College and DMMA College of Southern Philippines. They join the 13 remaining scholars from the first batch of last year.

The check was turned over by the company’s EVP and COO Art Milan to Boys Town President Salvador Angala. The donation will cover for the education and board of at least ten of the institution’s close to a hundred wards. The boys, mostly orphaned or abandoned, are studying at the nearby Ma-a National High School. They have already produced a priest, a veterinarian, and expert truck builders and mechanics. Two of their former wards are now working in a large automotive assembly plant in Laguna.

-BY VIC SUMALINOG

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CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

CSR teams Groupwide attend LCF expo Aboitiz Foundation and community relations representatives from Aboitiz Group companies across the country took part in this year's League of Corporate Foundations Corporate Social Responsibility (LCF CSR) Expo last July 14-15 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

The expo aimed to make both private and public sectors work together in putting forward a common agenda and framework of action that will make a significant and lasting impact on society.

A new set of national and local leaders was elected, hoping to inspire new hope in the country. Seeing this positive outlook, LCF adopted the theme "Synergizing for Change."

"The recently concluded elections represent a remarkable opportunity for the Filipino people to set aside political color and work together towards re-building our nation," said LCF Chairperson Edgardo Amistad during the press launch at Glorietta, Makati City.

Plenaries and special interest breakout sessions were featured in the conference, like Public-Private Partnerships, Global Standards on CSR, CSR and Social Networking, Measuring Social Impact, and The Journey to Sustainability. The ASEAN CSR network was also launched to promote, improve and share best CSR practices, network with neighboring countries and attain "ripples of change" in the ASEAN region. Participants came from corporate foundations, corporations, and partners from civil society, academe and government.

In the Measuring Social Impact breakout session, Aboitiz Foundation

Board Trustee Romy Ronquillo answers queries from a walk-in guest in front of the Aboitiz Foundation exhibit booth.

EVP/Managing Trustee Sonny Carpio presented Aboitiz Foundation as a business case. Through PBSP's benchmarking tool, Aboitiz Foundation has set the lead in scientifically measuring their program's effectiveness and impact. With this, they were able to see which areas they are doing well and which ones they must improve on.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras also graced the expo.

Soliman asserted that the government's large budget deficit, corruption and patronage politics constrain efforts to reduce poverty. After presenting a tripartite strategy for families, community development and sustainable livelihood that will combat poverty, Soliman urged key sectors in society to actively build "green solutions and green action programs."

Aboitiz Foundation also took part in the exhibit and set up its booth together with other LCF members. The exhibit was open to the public.

-BY BERYL ANN MANCHING

CSR representatives from across the Aboitiz Group joined the recent League of Corporate Foundation's CSR expo. Aboitiz Foundation Board Trustee Romy Ronquillo (3rd from left, seated) and EVP/Managing Trustee Sonny Carpio (2nd from left, seated) led the team.

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TEAM MEMBERS PAGE

MOVEMENTS AND PROMOTIONS MARK ANTHONY KINDICA Planning Department Manager, VECO

JULIAN VALDUEZA from VECO ERP supervisor to AboitizPower Financial System Manager for Distribution

THE M.A.R.K. OF A MANAGER

I

t was before lunch last May 21 at the Marco Polo Hotel during VECO’s 2nd Management Conference when COO Jimmy Aboitiz asked him how old he was and said, “I believe that you are the youngest ever to become a manager.”

SASHA JAMERO from VECO accounting specialist to AboitizPower Financial Analyst Supervisor for Distribution

LYSETTE LEONG Accounting Supervisor, Cotabato Light 30

Mark Anthony Kindica, former supervisor of the Planning Department, was promoted as manager at the age of 27. We made an acronym out of his name and it is as follows: Modest. He may seem like an ordinary guy to many, but his academic records certify that he’s got one extraordinary brain. He spent his elementary and high school years at Don Bosco Technology Center where he graduated valedictorian in both levels. He then pursued the course of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of San Carlos.

He was a consistent Dean’s Lister and graduated summa cum laude in 2004. He took the Electrical Engineering Licensure Exam in April 2005 and, with an average rating of 95%, topped his batch. Two months later, VECO hired this young and promising engineer and was assigned to the Planning Department under Engr. Julius Algabre. After five years of hard work, dedication and determination, he now sits at the manager’s desk and drives his own sleek, brand new, black Hyundai Tucson.

Despite all these achievements and recognitions, Mark modestly describes himself as “niwang, buotan ug ok lang”. He has kept a small, humble, and uncorrupted character with an understanding that pride goes before destruction.

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An Ardent Electrical Engineer. When he was asked what his motivation for excellence was, he explained that it is all because of LOVE. Love for work, love for electrical engineering, love for challenges, and love for solving problems. Who says this guy has no time for love?

Responsible. One of the lessons he learned since he was placed in a supervisory position in January 2008 was accountability. He would stay long hours in the office, goes home at twelve midnight every night for a week or two just to make sure that the work gets done extremely well. He also learned to be accountable not only to himself but also to his team members. To equip them technically, he tries his best to impart his knowledge and skills. However, he leaves his team nose bleeding most of the time.

Kind. He is often perceived as quiet, reserved, serious, intimidating, bossy, strict, and maldito (sources anonymous). Don’t be fooled! Don’t be misled by his contemplative, bewhiskered countenance. Once you get to know him more, you’ll find out that he is the exact opposite. In reality, he is very kind and patient in dealing with people. He is also calm, composed and able to keep his cool amid conflict and pressure.

Mark is a lot of things but these are just a few evidences that prove he has what it takes to become a successful department manager. To those who want to follow his footsteps, this is his guiding principle: “Do your ordinary duties extraordinarily well.” -BY KIRA MAE MA

SEGUE

SEGUE Energy is a key luck factor. For you to be at the top of your form, to be action oriented, fast moving, and extremely productive, you have to have high levels of physical and mental energy.

For you to be able to take advantage of all the possibilities around you, and

or too thin. If you are not happy with your current level of physical health, you need to set specific goals for yourself for the weeks and months ahead.

3. Exercise is Essential The third key to high energy is proper exercise. The best activity for high energy

The sixth key to high energy is the elimination of negative emotions. This can be the most important thing you do to assure a long and happy life. Your ability to keep your mind on what you want and off of what you don't want will determine your levels of health and happiness more than any other decision you make.

6. Start a Mental Fitness Program The seventh key to high energy is for you to go one a 21-day positive mental attitude diet, one day at a time. Resolve that, for the next 21 hours, you are going to keep your mind on what you want and

7 Keys

to High-Energy Living to have the continuous enthusiasm that keeps you and others motivated and moving ahead, you have to organize your life so that you feel terrific about yourself most of the time.

1. Eat the Right Foods The first key to high energy is a proper diet. To perform at your best, you must eat the right foods, in the right balance, and in the right combination. Your diet has an inordinate impact on the amount of energy you have, how well you sleep, your levels of health and fitness, and your performance throughout the day and into the evening.

2. Watch your Weight The second key to high energy is proper weight. Proper weight is essential for health, happiness, and long life. Being slightly under your ideal weight is best.

As they say, you can never be too rich

and physical fitness is aerobic exercise.

This type of exercise requires that you get your heart rate up into what is called the training zone three times per week. This training zone is about 120 to 160 beats per minute, depending on your age. You then keep it there for at least 20 minutes or more each session.

4. Get Lots of Rest and Recreation The fourth key to high energy is proper rest. You need an average of seven to eight hours of sleep each night to be fully rested. You need to take off at least one full day each week during which you don't work at all. You should take regular miniholidays of two or three days each, every couple of months. You should take one and two week vacations each year when you relax completely and get your mind totally off your work.

5. Develop a Positive Mental Attitude

keep it off the things you don't want. You are going to think and talk positively and optimistically about your goals, other people, and everything that is going on in your life.

7. Become a Personal Powerhouse The more you practice the health habits we have talked about, the more energy and vitality you will have. The more you keep your conversation focused on your goals and on the things you want, the greater the amount of strength and power you will feel. You will be more alert and aware. You will feel more positive and action oriented in every situation.

Action Exercise Resolve to become intensely action oriented from now on; whenever you get a good idea or something needs to be done, move quickly. -RESEARCHED BY RAYMUND TAMAYO

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