THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATED ELECTRICAL Volume VIII ENGINEERS September 2018

IIEE CELEBRATES 43RD FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY John Paul Madero, Head-Marketing Department City, The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Inc. celebrated its 43rd Foundation anniversary showcasing the great efforts of every man and woman behind the success of the organization for the past years.

On Saturday, September 22, 2018 Officers, Regional Governors as well as representative from different Chapters meet at the Executive Function Hall, Pagadian City Hall to celebrate the said event.The program started with the opening remarks of 2018 Vice-President for Internal Affairs Dr. Cirilo C. Calibjo followed by the acknowledgement of distinguished guest of honor and other representatives.

The event culminated through the symbolic ceremony done by Engr. Ramon Z. Gatchalian, Jr. who lead the toast to symbolize honor and goodwill. Engr. Angel De Vera, on the other hand, lead the lighting of candle signifying the fire burning flame which is out most service to its member and to the nation. Lastly, Engr. Eugene CONTINUE ON P3.. EDITORIAL

IIEE Highlights TYPHOON OMPONG – ANOTHER EDITORIAL BOARD TEST OF RESILIENCY AND COMMITMENT Ramil R. Tan, Executive Director

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF , Philippines – The Philippines, braved the rain and winds and do what

especially those from the northern is heroically their share in calamity RAMIL R. TAN provinces of , was devastated by stricken areas – restoration of electricity. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Super Typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut). Super Typhoon With thousands post and electrical KRISTINE BERNADETTE J. LLAMAS Ompong landed in Cagayan Province on facilities to be attended to in the shortest NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS Saturday, September 15, 2018. Thousands time possible so that people in the of residents were affected, fatalities communities may be able to immediately YHELLA N. MIRARAN stand after the wrath, indeed, these men PERSONNEL & ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS seemingly continue increasing in number as search and rescue and assistance and women of electric cooperatives and MARY ANN B. GUILLEN operations come into play. As in the usual the electrical professions are heroes in LIFESTYLE & FEATURES catastrophe, communities are left with no their own rights. Attending to the needs of electricity – post are either cut or twisted, the greater majority despite the situation HEAD WRITER wires scattered everywhere as the winds back home, with their own houses and communities affected, these men are JOHN PAUL S. MADERO of super typhoon Ompong ravage these facilities. Electric Cooperatives and its in the streets, doing what they think is LAY-OUT ARTISTS personnel, despite being victims of the necessary to restore, in no time, electricity. wrath of the super typhoon themselves, ARON D. RICAFRENTE

MARIA KHATRINA D. MAGNO

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

PRESIDENT

NOEL T. FERNANDEZ

VP-INTERNAL AFFAIRS

CIRILO C. CALIBJO

VP-EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

FLORENCIO D. BERENGUEL

VP-TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

ANGEL V. DE VERA JR.

SECRETARY

RAMON Z. GATCHALIAN JR.

TREASURER

EUGENIO F. ARAULLO

IMMEDIATE FORMER PRESIDENT

JOEBE B. PANHILASON

2 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2018 NEWS 43RD FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY.. From p1

Araullo lead the cutting of cake which symbolizes commitment and affection to the organization.

Other unexpected performance was witnessed by the awed audience - traditional dance perfomance of the Melanga Dance Ensemble, dance and song number merrily participated by the Regional Governors, National Officers and IIEE members.

Engr. Florencio D. Berenguel closed the program at around 10:15 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2018 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS 3 NEWS

IIEE NORTHERN CHAPTER HELD GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AMIDST TYPHOON OMPONG By: Ramil R. Tan – Executive Director proceeded with the meeting, Coinciding the IIEE 43rd technical conference and Founding Anniversary last election of the new sets of September 15, 2018, IIEE officers for 2019. Northern Laguna Chapter held its General Membership Meeting in Max’s Restaurant, Balibago, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. The event was memorable as earlier; the celebration of the 43rd Founding Anniversary of IIEE in Quezon was cancelled due to typhoon Ompong. The weather situation did not deter the men and women of IIEE Northern Laguna and

UNDERSTANDING THE PLIGHT OF THE PEOPLE WORKING IN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES By: Christian Gregor Atacador - NEECO 1 - Tarlac Cooperative, Inc. (CAGELCO 1) have in their plates. Sa Cagayan pa lang yan, hindi pa kasama dyan ang CAGELCO 2, Baguio (BENECO) Isabela (ISELCO 1, ISELCO 2) Ilocos Region (INEC, ISELCO) Abra (ABRECO) at iba pa.

Kung hindi ka matatag bilang kawani ng electric cooperative, malamang susuko ka. Kasi kadalasan, ang mga konsyumer na iniisip mo ang kapakanan ay makakapagsalita ng mga masasakit. Isa lang sana ang aking panawagan: Working in an electric cooperative requires SANA AY MAUNAWAAN NYO DIN KAMI. Sa resiliency and tenacity. Kung isa ka sa mga bawat baha, hindi naman po nito tinatangay ang kawani. Kailangn mong tibayan ang sikmura mga damdamin naming.. sa bawat pagpatay ng mo, tatagan ang loob mo, at bumangon agad ilaw, nasa kadiliman din po kami. Sa bawat posting sa pagkakalugmok kahit nasalanta ka din. nabubuwal, pakiramdam naming ay dumadagan These photos show the herculean task that ito sa amin. Nauunawaan naming ang suliranin our brothers are sisters in Cagayan 1 Electric kapag walang kuryente dahil unang-una kawawa CONTINUE ON P5.. 4 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2018 NEWS si baby pero naisip din ba natin na maaring may sanggol din ang teller ng NEECO-1 na minsan na nating sinungitan at sininghalan dahil mahaba ang pila sa bayaran? Sa bawat meter reader na pinag iisipan natin na nanghuhula lang ng trabaho nila, sana ay maisip din natin na dito nanggagaling ang ipnambubuhay nila sa kanilang mga pamilya. Madilim pa ay gumigising na sila at kung ilang bahay ang nka assign sa kanila, yun din ang bilang ng kanilang pag-akyat at pagbaba sva hagdanan. Ang bawat lineman na pinapanalangin nating mamatay dahil sa natagalan sa pagsasaayos ng serbisyo ng kuryente, may mga pamilya din yan na naiinitan, Sa bawat konsyumer, sana ay maunawaan nyo naiinip at nahihirapn kapag walang kuryente. rin kami. At sana, tsaka nyo na lang ipanalangin And bawat electric cooperatuive kagaya ng na mamatay kami kapag nabuhay na ang sirang NEECO-1 na nasabihan n asana ay bilhin na linya ng kuryente. Magalit man kayo, marami pa lamang ng MERALCO o CELCOR, sila din ang rin ang umaasa sa amin. Hwag nyo na rin sanang mga electric cooperative na nagsususmikap na isama ang aming mga pamilya sa inyong malupit makahanap ng energy provider na mura ang na kahilingan. Sa totoo lang, mapalad pa tayo halaga ng kuryente upang hindi maging mahal dahil hindi natin sinapit ang kalagayan ngayon ang presyo na babayaran ng mga konsyumer ng ating mga karatig probinsya. Ipagpasalamat na gaya ng sa MERALCO at CELCOR. Iyon natin ito sa Poong Maykapal. nga lang, hindi kontrolado ng mga electyric cooperatives ang TRAIN Law, FOREX, at In times of devastation, YOU CANNOT pray inflation rate na nakakaapekto sa presyo ng for the safety of your family and for the crew kuryente. Ang pilit na lamang kinokontrol of electric cooperatives to die all at once. Baka naming mga empleado ay an gaming damdamin malito ang Panginoon. The key is understanding. at emosyon lalo na sa gitna ng kalamidad. If we will try to understand each other, we will become a better place in the world with or without storm signal.

SEPTEMBER 2018 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS 5 NEWSFEATURED NEWS

RECOGNIZING ART IN THE HEART OF AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER By: Ramil R. Tan – Executive Director motivational visual artist in the country, and to establish a Filipino Art Foundation for out- of-school youth. Quezon City, – YELCAST is a self-taught artist from Batangas whose works have been showcase in numerous art exhibits. Most of his works are colorful – expressing gratefulness, love of life, positive change, freedom, and dreams without limits. His works can easily be distinguished by texturized, real-leaf patterns.

His love for arts began in childhood when he sketched plants and animals he saw in his father’s farm in Batangas. During his elementary and high school days, he joined and won different art competitions.

From left to right: Engr. Florencio D. Brenguel, VP-External Affairs/ Quezon City, Metro Manila – YELCAST is a self- Director-Exhibit Bureau. Mr. Ramil R. Tan, Executive Director. Engr. taught artist from Batangas whose works have Yel Castillo. been showcase in numerous art exhibits. Most of his works are colorful – expressing gratefulness, love of life, positive change, freedom, and dreams without limits. His works can easily be distinguished by texturized, real-leaf patterns.

YelCast is a Registered Electrical Engineer and even placed Top 1 in the Registered Master Electrician Board Exam. He is a proud member of the IIEE.

YelCast worked in San Miguel Brewery as an Electrical Engineer and was a professor at the Upper and Lower Left were from YelCast displayed at the office of IIEE Executive Director University of the East where he was a working student during his college days. Because of his passion for the arts, the celebrated least artist was included in When in Manila “40 YELCAST masterpiece entitled Dahon ng People under 40 Worth Taking Notice of”, and Buhay (2010), and Grand Prize Winner (2012) was also featured in CNN Philippines, for his were chosen as semi-finalist in MetroBank Art philanthropic gesture to donate 100% proceeds and Design National Competition. One of his of the sale of his paintings, to the children of artworks was also included as finalist in the 2nd Marawi. ALVEO National Painting Competition, and also received Honorable Mention Award at the 1st YelCast, a proud member of Grupo Sining Robinsons Land Corporation National Painting Batangueno, Art Association of the Philippines, Competition. Arte Kalye, Philippine Pastel Association and Art’s Bauan has a vision to become the first Continue on p7... 6 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2018 NEWS

6TH WESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE Joh Paul Madero, Head- Marketing Department

The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineer of the Philippines Inc. held its 6th Western Mindanao Regional Conference to gather the electrical practitioners from Misamis Occidental, Zambasulta, Zamboanga del Norte, Zambaonga de Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay Chapters at City Commercial Center in Pagadian City last 21-22 September 2018.

Under the baton of the Western Mindanao Regional Governor Marie Sanita Silao Fuertes. The event started by a heartwarming invocation followed by the national anthem and the IIEE hymn. It also gives another flavor through the cultural dances presented. Engr. Yel Castillo during his interview with CNN Philippines last August 4, 2018. The total number of delegates reaches 226. 19TH BICOL REGIONAL CONFERENCE John Paul Madero, Head-Marketing Department Iriga City, Bicol – The 19th Bicol Regional Conference held last 31 August and 01 September at Iriga Convention Center. The confabulation, headed by Bicol Governor Enelito Vargas, was participated by delegates from Albay, Iriga, Catanduaes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Masbate Chapters and also from Quezon and Batangas.

The event started by a dance interpretation for invocation followed by the national anthem and IIEE hymn. It also gives excitement to all delegates to witness the cultural dance presentation during the event.

After a full day of information and technical discussions, the Practitioners Night held and spearheaded by the ever supporting Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Yorobe Alfelor. Delegates all joined the games presented by the organizer.

The total number of delegates reaches to 410.

SEPTEMBER 2018 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS 7 NEWS

ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION APPROVES THE 2017 PHILIPPINE DISTRIBUTION CODE Ramil R. Tan, Executive Director

Adhering to the government policy of ensuring quality, reliable, secured and affordable electric power supply for the Filipino people, the Energy Regulatory Board approved Resolution No. 2 Series of 2018 approving the Philippine Distribution Code (PDC) 2017 Edition, full text of the resolution provides, viz:

8 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2018 NEWS

RME IN CELEBRATION OF 43RD FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY Christopher Emmanuel Agorto, RME

The Registered Master Electrician’s Affairs and Electrician’s Academy Committee (RMEA-EAC) successfully conducted its RME Seminar for the month of September, held at the IIEE Office.

The activity, attended by 39 RME practitioners, is in-celebration of the IIEE's 43rd Founding Anniversary.

There were six technical topics discussed by the resource speakers; “Common Accepted Practices in Electrical Installation for Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, and Residential Buildings and Structures” by Engr. Justo Ma. Lopez, “Wiring Methods based on PEC 2017” by Engr. Gregorio Guevarra, “Efficient residential and consumer lighting” by Mr. Marcelito Mangaoang, “Solar PV Installation: APEC Recommended Curriculum and the Importance of Standards” by Engr. Jessie Todoc, “Maintenance of Electrical Equipment” by Mr. Casimiro Flores, Jr. and “Understand the Philippine Energy Standards and Labelling Program” by Engr. Kristian Carlo Victorio.

The program aims to become a venue for RME members to enhance their professional knowledge to be able to upgrade their skill level in various fields and strengthen membership engagement which is part of the Institute’s mission and vision.

SEPTEMBER 2018 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS 9 th 19 BICOL REGIONAL CONFERENCE WESTERN 6th MINDANAO REGIONAL CONFERENCE NEWS

ACTIONS IN THE IMMEDIATE RESTORATION OF POWER (Effects of Typhoon Ompong) Ramil R. Tan, Executive Director

Replacement of damage insulator of Piat 69kv line

CAGAYAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 1 in Action PRRD NEA PHILRECA CLECA NAGMEC TASK FORCE OMPONG Photos From Uyi No El

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Bayanihan in Power Restoration Photos from: ILOCOS SUR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

Consumer Owners in Sitio Bay- Asan, Banayoyo and Ambulogan, Narvacam extending assistance to the cooperative’s linemen in power restoration in their areas.

Cagayan Electric Cooperative 1

SEPTEMBER 2018 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS 13 NEWS

TAN SPEAKS AT THE 57TH FOUNDATION DAY OF THE ROCES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL Ramil R. Tan, Executive Director Quezon City, Metro Manila – Celebrating its 57th Year Anniversary with the theme “Building Partnerships to Educate and Empower , the Don Chino Roces Science and Technology School invited IIEE Executive Director Ramil R. Tan to be its guest of honor during its Commemorative Assembly held on September 28, 2018 at the Roces Gymnasium, Roces Avenue, Quezon City.

Tan’s speech dwelled on the advantages and challenges of collaboration and partnership. He stressed that in most organizations, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of all and creating programs and activities where these strengths and weaknesses are part of, transcends to the realization of its ultimate goals where everyone are involved.

Don Chino Roces Science and Technology school is a partner organization of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. in the area of manpower and OJT provisions as well as learning and leadership development

IIEE BATANGAS CHAPTER CONTINUES WITH THEIR BIGAY LIWANAG PROGRAM Ramil R. Tan, Executive Director Batangas City, Batangas – Providing a sustained proactive stand on DAGITAB’s Bigay Liwanag Program, IIEE Batangas Chapter conducted another round of Bigay Liwanag Project implementation on September 12, 2018. Beneficiaries to the project specifically in Barangay Libjo, Batangas City, received Continue on p15... 14 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2018 NEWS

complete set of portable solar panel with 3 led bulbs, providing the much needed light to houses of less fortunate families in the community who cannot afford electrical connections. It may just be 3 lights to the eyes of many, but this gesture spells a thousand positive impacts to these people where scarcity of resources deprived them of even the basic provision of light. It now becomes a life changing development as far as the recipients of the project are concerned as they can now attend to their activities at home – lighted.

IIEE VISITS SAMAR-LEYTE CHAPTER FOR AUDIT Jennifer Sanchez, Internal Auditor

12 September 2018, The Secretary Engineer Cleofe Institute of Integrated Caidic. Despite the Electrical Engineers busy schedule, officers of the Philippines, Inc. attentively participated holds its audit to Leyte- in the discussions on the Samar Chapter. The issues and sentiments team composed of 2018 of some members in the National Auditor Engineer chapter. Present in the Florigo C. Varona, audit are the Chapter Executive Director Ramil Treasurer Engineer R. Tan and Internal Auditor Abelardo Balasbas, Board Jennifer A. Sanchez. of Director Engineer The purpose of the Virgenio Salazar, Engineer audit is to resolve some Greg Lim-it and Engineer issues pertaining to the Paul Perez who are Operations, Financial and member respectively. Membership status. Moving on, the conducted The said audit was activity reconciled all assisted by Former issues like in finance, Regional Governor of operations as well as Eastern/Central Visayas challenges in the future. and current Chapter

SEPTEMBER 2018 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS 15 NEWS

PCCI PUSHES GRANT OF POWER SUBSIDIES Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) - September 29, 2018 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — Apart from can easily bring down power costs by 10 Philippine tariff is the second highest next pushing for competitive bidding in the or15 percent,” Alejandro said. to Cambodia. power industry, it may be high time for government to explore possible The country should also focus on smart On the other hand, the industrial rate of power subsidies to make the country grid programs, which will help power the Philippines is the third highest in the competitive with neighboring countries distributors improve their system region, after Cambodia and Singapore. and to bring in foreign investments, the reliability and resilience to natural country’s largest business group said. disasters. This is because most peer countries in the region have subsidized power rates, The country’s high power cost relative to The Department of Energy is currently Marasigan said. peer countries remains a big challenge working on a policy that will promote in attracting investments, said Jose smart grid development even in rural Alejandro said there were no new foreign Alejandro, Philippine Chamber of areas, said Mario Marasigan, director investments in the country, noting that Commerce and Industry (PCCI) chairman of DOE-Electric Power Industry foreign money going around are mostly for energy and infrastructure committee. Management Bureau (EPIMB). internal borrowings among countries.

“We still have a big challenge in our Alejandro said power development “They are not expanding anymore. hands, with all the efforts that have been should happen more in off-grid areas to They’re all waiting. We have to avoid going on (to bring down power costs spur micro, small and medium enterprises running away from the issue of subsidizing by)even 10 percent,” he said in a forum (MSMEs) in rural areas. power costs,” Alejandro said. hosted by Stratbase ADR Institute (ADRi) and CitizenWatch Philippines Thursday While these efforts will help lower the Latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) afternoon. country’s power cost, it will still not be data showed foreign direct investments enough to make the Philippines price- (FDI) rose 9.2 percent to $831 million in To lower power tariff, the government competitive against peer countries, June, which brought the year-to-date net should strengthen rules in requiring Alejandro said. inflow to $5.75 billion, up 42.4 percent. power companies to undergo competitive bidding or competitive selection process In his presentation, Marasigan said the However, the Philippines has lagged (CSP), PCCI said. Philippine residential power rate remains behind its Southeast Asian peers in terms the highest in the Southeast Asian region. of attracting FDIs, the BSP said. “Real competition that’s public and transparent will bring down the cost. That In terms of commercial power rates,

IIEE CHAPTER SEMINAR John Paul Madero, Head-Marketing Department HOLY Angels University, Angeles City, Pampanga- IIEE Pampanga Chapter holds a Technical Seminar Entitled Load Flow, Protection Coordination and Short Circuit last 28 and 29 September 2018. The two day event was participated by members from the Chapter as well as from other location. IIEE's very own 2018 Vice- President for Internal Affairs Dr. Cirilo C. Calibjo and Vice-President Florencio D. Berenguel are present who acts as speaker in the said event.

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PALAWAN HOSTED THE OATH TAKING AND INDUCTION CEREMONIES OF THE 2018 NEW BOARD PASSERS FOR THE REE AND RME EXAMINATIONS Ramil R. Tan, Executive Director PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, well to provide a formal way of (REE) and the Registered Palawan – With the official welcoming these board passers Master Electricians (RME) released of the results of to the IIEE Family, hosted an took their oath simultaneously the September, 2018 Board OATH Taking and INDUCTION before the Hon. Jaime Examinations for Registered Ceremony on September 7, Mendoza, Member of the Electrical Engineers (REE) and 2018 at 7 o’clock in the evening Professional Board of Electrical Registered Master Electricians at the ballroom of the Asturias Engineering, Professional (RME) by the Professional Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, Regulations Commission Regulations Commission, Palawan. (PRC). The induction of new the IIEE Palawan Chapter, in members to the IIEE on the recognition of the new board The newly board passers for other hand, was facilitated by passers and their parents as Registered Electrical Engineers IIEE Executive Director Ramil

Continue on p18... SEPTEMBER 2018 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS 17 NEWS

R. Tan. The affair was Member. also attended by the Palawan Chapter Officers including In his closing message, IIEE Former Chapter President Ed Palawan Chapter President Rez Antonio and other guest from Contrivida provided a “walk Puerto Princesa City. in the real world” scenario to these new professionals and Pride and joy filled the air of the left them with a challenge Asturias ballroom as parents that they are now beginning and board passers took turn the real world of knowledge, in taking their pictures with information and work. the IIEE Officers and the BEE

the organizer, as well as with booth contractor and venue of 3E XPO 2018 EXHIBITORS the event BRIEFING Joh Paul Madero, Head- Marketing Department IIEE QATAR PASAY City – The 43rd 3E XPO Exhibitors Briefing CHAPTER held last 26 September CONDUCTED 2018 at SMX Convention BLOOD Center. The event spearheaded by the DONATION Exhibit Bureau Chairman DRIVE Florencio D. Berenguel Ramil R. Tan, Executive Director and by the Marketing Photos From : IIEE Qatar Chapter Department was actively As part of its corporate social attended by IIEE's responsibility program, IIEE Qatar Chapter conducted supportive exhibitors leading to a number of 223. its Blood Donation Drive on September 22, 2018 at The Exhibitors Briefing is an annual event which aims to inform the Blood Donor Center, the exhibitors about the policies, rules and other activities set by Hamad Medical Corporation, Continue on p19... 18 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2018 FOREIGN NEWS

Doha, Qatar. In , the Philippines multinational firm—whose main and share the challenge business is energy management of providing power to every and automation—introduced corner of the country since they a number of technologies are made up of a lot of islands including a decentralized which are not directly connected energy system to existing clients to the main power grid, Schneider and prospective customers. Electric executive vice president for industry business and member Remont said one of the of the executive committee Peter purpose of the meeting is to Herweck said in an interview bring these solutions called during the company’s Innovation EcoStruxure to the Philippines. Summit at Marina Bay Sands. So far, it has co-developed “It becomes, of course, very several microgrid projects across interesting for countries like the globe, including Northern the Philippines and the same is India, South Australia, North also true for Indonesia where America, Europe and Africa. you have a lot of islands, you have to make sure that a grid As microgrid development is is self-sufficient,” he said. one of the global firm’s focus, Schneider Electric is in discussions “We’ve discussed challenges in for potential projects in the country. the Philippine market which is geography, weather conditions “We continue to develop and a lot of people who do not our commercial presence have access to safe, reliable (in the Philippines). We are energy is the country,” he said. developing a number of partnerships,” Remont said. The Philippine government is pushing to achieve 100 In fact, it is in discussions with percent electrification for a local party interested in the entire country by 2022. putting up a microgrid project But the challenge remains in in Palawan, Schneider Electric funding and sourcing investments Philippines country president to put up microgrids in far-flung Alexandre Vermot said. areas, to which Malacañang is PHILIPPINES reportedly preparing an executive “I was just having a conversation order to encourage private about a project in an island in HAS GREAT investment in rural electrification. Palawan, where the customer is willing to invest in a microgrid POTENTIAL And this is one area simply because there is no FOR Schneider Electric is connection to the grid to focusing its investments on. the island. It’s an area where MICROGRID digitization and solutions can “We are seeing great potential bring the needed solution for DEVELOPMENT in the Philippines, given its investment and development Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) - many islands where powering in the country,” he said. September 24, 2018 - 12:00am and digitizing many islands is a specific challenge… We believe The company is also working on a SINGAPORE — The Philippines that this is one great potential few projects in the country as well. has great potential for microgrid of the Philippines. This is one of developments and French the biggest things we want to “We have a number of projects multinational firm Schneider do,” Schneider Electric executive up and running like in northern Electric is positioning itself vice president for international Europe. In the Philippines we aggressively in the middle of operations Luc Remont said. have some few projects, we the country’s transition to power call them in testing stages, up off-grid areas by bringing During the summit, the French but it will come,” Vermot said. in distributed energy solutions.

SEPTEMBER 2018 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS 19 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATED ELECTRICAL Volume VIII ENGINEERS September

FEATURED CITY PALAWAN EL NIDO - Truly Paradise Ramil R. Tan, Executive Director

EL NIDO, Palawan –Traversing the where PRC BEE Hon. Jaime winding and uphill and downhill Mendoza and IIEE’s Executive roads from Puerto Princesa City to Director Ramil Tan were speakers. the northern municipality of El Nido, Palawan, the IIEE Palawan Chapter El Nido, officially the Municipality of headed by Engr. Rez Contrivida and El Nido, is a 1st class municipality Engr. Nelson Caabay, lead the IIEE in the province of Palawan, Team to the paradise islands of El Philippines. Accoridng to the Nido, a 5 hour drive destination to 2015 census, it has a population the north-east of Puerto Princesa. of 41, 606 people more or less. The party is composed of Board of Electrical Engineering Member It’s about 238 kilometers north-east of of the PRC Hon. Jaime Mendoza, Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital. A IIEE Executive Director Ramil managed resources protected area, it R. Tan, Former Southern Luzon is known for its white sand beaches, Governor Allan Alvarez, IIEE coral reefs, limestone’s cliffs and as Northern Laguna Former Chapter a gateway to Bacuit archipelago. President Chie Collado, IIEE Communications Staff Deborah El Nido is currently ranked No. 4 in Moskito, IIEE Palawan Sponsors Conde Nast Traveler’s list of “20 Most Rain Delgado and her group. Beautiful Beaches in the World”. CNNGo has called it the Best of The group was in Palawan to attend Beach and island destination in the the Chapter’s Technical Conference Philippines for its “extraordinary and General Membership Meeting natural splendor and ecosystem”.

20 IIEE HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2018