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The BENECO Journal
ERC okays BENECO power rate adjustments
BAGUIO CITY—The Energy
Regulatory Commission (ERC)
has granted the Benguet Electric
Cooperative, Inc. (BENECO) provisional authority to implement its
new rate for distribution, supply,
metering (DSM) and re-investment charges under the Rules for
Setting Electric
Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rates (RSECWR) effective January 2010 but
implemented by BENECO in its
February billing cycle.
This means the rates would
have an average upward adjustment of new rates PhP 0.2745
when fully implemented in year
2011. This new rate setting methodology adopted by ERC in its
Resolution No. 20, dated September 23, 2009 seeks to develop a
regulatory regime that encourages efficiency and lower cost in
the operations of the Electric Cooperatives and provides incen-
tives for their good performance.
The ERC order dated
January 11, 2010 signed by ERC
chair Zenaida Cruz-Ducut and
four other commissioners states
the adjustment in DSM rates is
minimal considering the base
year of the unbundling is year
2000 and there were no adjustments in DSM charges in the
past eight years. This new rate is
good until January 2014.
In compliance to the ERC
order, Beneco will implement the
rates adjustments in a two-year
period – half or fifty percent (50
%) on the first year, and full implementation on the second year.
The ERC admitted that the
current rates of Electric Cooperatives are no longer responsive
since the cost of providing electric service increased significantly from the time their rates
were determined by the commis-
...is the official publication of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO), Inc.
It is published quarterly with special or extra issues
as the the need arises.
BENGUET ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
Publisher
STAFF MEMBERS:
(In alphabetical order of their surnames)
Ailene I. Alafag, Nathan E. Alcantara, Engr. Fraiser P. Angayen, Leonardo G. Belingon,
Engr. Carlo O. Bentayen, Engr. Denver S. Cabradilla, Engr. Edison Casilio,
Delfin B. Cachin, Jr., Amor Dapiawen, Engr. Mario L. Esteban, Dan Francisco,
Engr. Mario T. Gayao, Christopher Gonzales, Laarni s. Ilagan, Gregorio Paatan,
Engr. Roy P. Olatic, Engr. Ramel B. Rifani, Rosela Reyes, Engr. Christopher George S. Tait,
Engr. Leo B. Walsien, Jason S. Wayet
NATHAN E. ALCANTARA
Editor
GERARDO P. VERZOSA
Editorial Consultant
ATTY. LUZ LAURETA-BALISONG
Legal Counsel
LEONIDES C. LACHICA/ERWIN B. OJASCASTRO
Front and Back Cover Design
Comments and suggestions may be addressed to:
Mr. Gerardo P. Verzosa, General Manager,
or The Editor, The BENECO Journal;
BENECO, Alapang, La Trinidad, Benguet
Phone Numbers:
442-2186, 442-5337, 422-2969, 422-2000
E-mails may be sent to:
[email protected]
Website:
www.beneco.com.ph
Metering calibration section Engr. Orlando Albiento showing
some of the 1,000 single-phase KWH meters tested and sealed by
the Energy Regulatory Commission engineers Hannibal Espiloy,
Zosimo Liberato, and Jojo Panigui March 2010.**LGSI
sion based on 2000 test year. The
Rules for Setting Electric
Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rate
(RSEC-WR) is in accordance
with provisions of Republic Act
No. 9136, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of
June 2001 authorizing ERC to establish a methodology for setting distribution wheeling rates.
In the RSEC-WR clustering,
BENECO, together with 14 other
electric cooperatives (EC) nationwide were classified as Group
“F”. Under the scheme, the average adjustment on DSM rates to
be collected from member-consumers of Group “F” EC will be
P.9900 per kilowatt hour (KWh).
The ERC order likewise authorized BENECO and other
Group “F” EC’s to collect P0.2178
per KwH for re-investment from
all consumer classes that are now
reclassified into residential, low
voltage (referring to commercial,
Industrial, public building, and
street lights metered at 240 volts)
and high voltage (referring to
Commercial and industrial costumers metered at 1000 volts and
above not to exceed 34.5 KV).
BENECO, in its earlier application for rates adjustments, informed ERC that the implementa-
tion of the rates will redound to
the best interest of the memberconsumers as the cooperative
continued to ensure effective operation and maintenance services.
Cooperative officials, meanwhile,
asked for understanding from
member-consumers concerning
the rates adjustments, stating that
the new rates will help the cooperative deliver quality services
and maintain financial stability as
mandated by the EPIRA.
BENECO added the rates
adjustments do not mean profit.
Out of the Php 0.2745 centavo
average increases per KwH, Php
0.2178 will be accounted for reinvestment. This will be used
solely for Capital Expenditure.
The average net increase for operation and maintenance is only
Php 0.0567.
BENECO also assured the
rate adjustments will not greatly
affect its member-consumers classified under the lifeline level or
those who consume 45 kWh or
less a month. Presently, there are
17,482 residential lifeline member-consumers in Baguio and
26,393 residential lifeline consumers in Benguet enjoying rate
subsidy or from as low as 5% up
to 50 % discounts.**
The BENECO Journal
The BENECO Northern Sub-Area
Department or NSAD also known
as the Rehab Center, the office that
serves the member-consumers of
the towns of Bakun, Buguias,
Mankayan and parts of Atok and
Kibungan, is nestled in the northernmost municipality of Buguias
in Benguet. The NSAD headed
by Engineer Artemio Bacoco is a
unit of BENECO wherein almost
all services provided by the different departments in Baguio are
rolled into one office or department.
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
area coverage.
The maintenance of DX
lines was 56% accomplished in
terms of quantity with 235 poles
used amounting close to P2.1 million. This includes replacement of
rotten poles and installation of
intermediate poles to DX lines with
low clearance from ground.
Four (4) DX grounding mats
were installed in different strategic locations to dissipate excessive currents contributed by lightning faults to avoid damage to
electrical equipment. It indicates
were lit up leaving those with a
criminal intent nowhere to hide.
A score of 189% in terms of
quantity or 879 meters amounting close to 0.6 Million were installed while the service and metering correction garnered only
20%. NSAD concentrated on the
installation of meters due to numerous applications for service
connection (ASC) benefited from
the line expansion funded by the
100 Million NEA loan and other
subsidies.
NSAD linemen also cleared
PAGE 3
P41,953,190.67 compared to the
2008 collection of 40,266,715.63
with a 4% increase for 2009. The
average systems loss was 19.76%
as compared to 21.84% last 2008.
The collection efficiency increased by 3% from 91.42% in
2008 to 94% for 2009.
This office also attended to
and accomplished several requests of member-consumers on
line expansion which were not included in the 2009 workplan. A
total of 98 poles and 5.8 circuit
kilometers for 29 sitios benefited
from this endeavor.
Many have the common impression of NSAD as the “maximum detention area” or the “rehabilitation center” of BENECO.
For all its worth, this statement
may ring true in a positive sense,
GM Verzosa (left) and ex-congressman Ronald Cosalan say their piece during briefing on proposed Buguias Hydro Project.**
There are three key areas of
operation – the technical, institutional and the financial activities.
The following are NSAD’s
accomplishment for the year 2009.
The technical activities focused more on the reliability of
the system such as: rehabilitation
and revamp of the distribution
system, maintenance of the distribution (DX) lines, installation
of DX grounding, installation of
intelligent reclosers and right of
way clearing.
For rehabilitation, the Office
accomplished 30% in terms of kilometers of lines installed while
the pole quantity aspect was 17%
consummated. The accomplishment was downscaled super
typhoon Pepeng affecting
almost whole of the NSAD
125% accomplished in terms of
location. These are located at (1)
Madaymen, Kibungan (2) Possel,
Amgaleyguey (3) Uppes Bekes,
Taneg, Mankayan and (4) Tubo,
Mankayan.
NSAD installed 2 reclosers
located at Km. 73, Halsema for
Kabayan-Bokod line and at
Sinipsip for Bakun line to isolate
these areas during the occurrence of faults within the lines
covered without affecting other
areas outside of it.
Additional 32 streetlights fixtures were installed mostly along
roads and alleys to provide light
for motorists and pedestrians.
NSAD now maintains a total of
187 installed streetlights which
help deter street crimes in clustered or business areas which
36 kilometers of DX lines as all
electrical distribution lines should
be free from foreign objects such
as tree branches, bamboo, construction scaffolds or anything
touching it.
In the institutional aspect,
NSAD conducted a total of 50
Pre-Membership Education Seminars (PMES) to prospective additional members with 972 participants. Likewise, 10 Information Education Campaign (IEC)
were conducted to different organizations such as Barangays,
LGUs, NGOs and the like. An estimated 1500 participants were
educated or informed regarding
issues pertaining to BENECO.
On the financial aspect the
highlights for 2009 of NSAD are
as follows: the total collection was
for in NSAD one gets to know
how an electric cooperative really
operates from every aspect – from
operations and maintenance to
billing and collection, building
community rapport through
sports and music, even defensive
driving techniques, among others. One learns the meaning of
“multi-tasking.” An added bonus
is the cool and fresh air you get to
breathe plus the warm reception
of the townsfolk you serve. So if
you’re burned out and tired at
BENECO in Baguio, go to NSAD
for a breathe of fresh air and who
knows when you get back to
Baguio you’re as fresh as an organic vegetable freshly picked
from the organic farms in Loo
Valley. ** Roy Olatic/Dan
Francisco
PAGE 4
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The BENECO Journal
BENECO asserts lot purchase to address future needs
RANKING OFFICIALS
of the Benguet Electric
Cooperative (Beneco) led
by General Manager Gerry
Verzosa said they are willing to appear before the
City Council to explain in
detail the acquisition of 1.2
hectare lot worth P183.4
million.
This, even as the
Beneco Board of Directors
issued an open letter addressed to the City Council and to the member-consumers explaining their side
on the statements made by
councilor Fred Bagbagen
last March 8 assailing the
purchase of lot.
Bagbagen, in his privilege speech, mentioned
among others that Beneco
acquired a lot beyond what
was published in a paper
that it is in need of a maximum of 1,500 square
meters and that it was also
not included in the agenda
during the Dec. 5, 2009 general assembly meeting.
He also questioned
why Beneco did not present
the merits of purchasing
what he described as an
expensive lot when the cooperative has an inventory
of land holdings at
Longlong, La Trinidad.
The Beneco board in
its statement (see complete
details on page 7) said the
cooperative has accepted
offers but the 1.2 hectare
along South Drive in
Baguio is the most competitive priced option and it is
the most responsive to the
future needs of Beneco.
The statement said
Beneco plans to build a
one-stop shop general
headquarters to accommodate its sub-offices in Km
4, DPS compound and
Bonuan. Its current main
office is located in
Alapang, La Trinidad.
The lot acquired in
South Drive can accommodate the provision for a
stockyard and warehouse
and parking space for vehicles and heavy equipment
and possibly a multipurpose
hall where the annual general assembly can be held.
Beneco also can
implement provision for
sub-station to respond to
the increasing load volume
needed by its consumers,
especially big establishments.
Bagbagen likewise
stated in his speech that
Beneco ignored letters by
Sometime in November the Baguio Electric Power
2007, a special audit was Consumer Cooperative
conducted based on the ac- (Baelco) and National Ascomplished projects sub- sociation of Electricity
Consumers for Reform
mitted by the contractors to
(Nasecore) which prodetermine actual materials
tested the lot purchase.
used and the way it was inThe Beneco Board
stalled in accordance to
said the issues raised by
standards. The Audit also
tried to reconcile the quan- taken into consideration in
tity of materials withdrawn order to recover the mateby the contractor against rials back to the coop’s intheir accomplishment and ventory and protect it from
installation reports submit- loss of its assets.
In June 2008, Internal
ted, for which they eventually billed Beneco the Audit conducted field valicost of installing the mate- dation through as-built inrials. Through this audit spection of the MMC. The
activity, any discrepancy validation was completed
and/or loss of asset shall be by a group headed by
Audit watchdog sniffs out
kinks in Metering Project
The Internal Audit Section
looked into the Massive
Metering Correction
(MMC) Project implemented by contractors
within the Baguio City
and Benguet some four
years ago – auditing being management’s tool in
safeguarding Beneco’s
assets
The metering project
started late 2003 until
2006 and temporarily suspended early in 2007 due
to deficiencies noted particularly in the quantity of
materials reported as installed vis-à-vis the actual
inspection report.
Baelco and Nasecore on
the matter have been duly
answered.
Other issues raised
was the supposed approval
by the National Electrification Administration (NEA)
and/or by the Energy Regulatory Commission before
the 1.2 hectare lot was purchased.
The board said the directors, who are elected
representatives of member-consumers per district,
are given powers by virtue
of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws and
that the approval by the
ERC or NEA is not needed
because there will be no
rate increase in the monthly
bill of consumer-members
as a result of the purchase
of lot.
Verzosa said in an interview Thursday that
Beneco is capable to acquire lot through bank financing because of its
class A+ electric cooperative status and for improving its efficiency with low
systems loss rate. –
Harley F. Palangchao
(Published in page 1,
March 14 Issue of Baguio
Midland Courier)
Wendell Cabson, CPA.
With strong determination
to accomplish the job accurately, they finished
within ten months poring
over about 20,000 consumer accounts.
Curiously, one may
ask, what will Audit do to
the findings especially on
continued on page 5
The BENECO Journal
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
PAGE 5
BOD President says BENECO BOARD
has new officers
books open on 1.2
ha. lot purchase
BENGUET ELECTRIC
Cooperative (Beneco)
Board of Directors President
Ferdy Bayasen said Friday
they can explain to the
City Council that there is no
lapse in the purchase of the
1.2-hec-tare lot along
South Drive.
Bayasen’s statement
was in response to the latest
proposal of councilor Fred
Bagbagen which seeks to invite the Beneco board to
clarify matters and to submit pertinent documents relative to the lot purchase.
Bagbagen said that the
open letter of Beneco board
did not satisfactorily answer
some points he raised in his
privilege speech reason why
he saw the need to invite the
board for further clarifications for the benefit and satisfaction of the member-consumers.
Among the documents
Bagbagen wants the board
to submit are the deed of absolute sale, payments to the
Bureau of Internal Revenue,
receipt of payment, escrow
agreement, and sworn statement from the authorized
representative of the regulating entity.
Bayasen said the offer
for the 1.2-hectare lot came
in the latter part of 2009 and
early part of this year reason why it was not discussed
during the annual general assembly last Dec. 5, 2009.
He, however, assured
that transparency was observed in the purchase of the
lot, adding that the lot will
address the future needs of
the cooperative which was
outlined in the open letter of
the board to the city council.
“Our best justification is
when we complete the
project up to its finality.
Where are all the critics
when Beneco was bankrupt?
We will keep our focus and
move forward. Our books are
open,” Bayasen said.
The lot purchase of 1.2
hectares by Beneco has
been referred to the City
Council Committee on Public Utilities for further review
and appropriate action.
Mayor
Reinaldo
Bautista Jr. told reporters
Wednesday that the issues
raised by Bagbagen are serious but said the Beneco
board of directors has more
explanations to make.
The mayor is apparently
not convinced that the purchase of 1.2 hectares is the
best deal among all the close
to 100 offers received and
reviewed by the board.
Beneco general manager Gerry Verzosa told reporters over the weekend
that the 1.2 hectares was the
best deal, as he presented
DIRECTOR Ferdy K.
Bayasen is the new President of the Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc.
(Beneco) Board of Directors for year 2010.
Bayasen,
Punong
Barangay of Guisad Central
respresenting District IV in
the Beneco Board, was
elected by his colleagues
during their first regular
meeting held January 5.
Joining him as Board
officers are District VII
Director Joey J.L. Marrero
of La Trinidad as VicePreesident; District III Director Rocky M. Aliping,
Secretary; District IX Director Edward Dogui-is,
Treasurer; District XI director Gaspar Leung, Auditor and District V Director Peter Busaing, Public
Relations Officer.
Outgoing Director and
former Board President
Victorio Palangdan inducted
the new officers before
their regular meeting held
January 19, 2010.**
Audit watchdog...frompage4
the materials discrepancy?
This served as basis for
demand letters to all the
contractors concerned to
settle their discrepancies.
In relation to this, one
contractor who showed no
signs of concern in settling
his deficiency as a result
of double billing, was subject of a criminal case for
estafa through falsification
of private documents. Another one was nabbed by
National Bureau of Investigation agents for selling
MMC project materials
particularly meter base
with embossed Beneco
seal and charged of a
criminal case for violation
of the anti-pilferage law
and estafa.
Six others responded
positively to the demand
letters and are now taking
actions to settle their respective obligations arising
from their projects. The
audit will not stop here and
will take all necessary legal actions to have all these
contractors settle their obligations.** Greg Paatan
previous lot offers which have
relatively much higher zonal
value per square meter.
Beneco acquired the lot
along South Drive at P15,000
per square meter.
Verzosa also assured the
member-consumers that
there will be no rate increase
in their monthly bills as a re-
sult of the lot purchase, saying that the cooperative will
pay it through the Development Bank of the Philippines
courtesy of fund generated
from low systems losses. –
Harley F. Palangchao
(Published page 2, March
21. 2010 Issue of the
Baguio Midland Courier)
PAGE 6
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ The
BENECO Journal
www.beneco.com.ph.
The Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. is informing member consumers of various computer-based web services of
the coop.
Technology facilitates our desire to live up to our motto
“quality service is our way of life.”
BENECO main office is at Alapang, La Trinidad, Benguet
but some services can be accessed anytime through the
internet at www.beneco.com.ph.
Basic information as to BENECO services are as follows:
Bill Inquiry – Please secure your access key at our BENECO
office at Happy Glen Loop for easy transaction. Then you
can inquire about your account directly on line.
Power Interruption Schedule – Public announcement
through the media (TV, Radio and Local Paper Publication)
is done prior to power interruption. Contact numbers of our
Since the implementation
of the Performance Appraisal System two years
ago, the PAS has become
a Management tool by
which employees keep tabs
on what they are doing
right and what they can still
improve on.
The PAS also serves
as a measure for them to
ensure that they do their
daily duties and responsibilities in ways where they
are able to live up to their
motto “quality service is
our way of life”.
Performance reviews
are done twice a year or
every semester. Prior to the
reviews, the employee and
his/her supervisor discuss
and mutually agree on the
radio room for particulars are: 442-2295 and 442-6663
Collection Centers – Payment of Bills are accepted in
designated banks in Baguio and Benguet and at BENECO
office; Maharlika Livelihood Complex and Happy Glen Loop
for Baguio, Kilometer 4 (KM.4) for La Trinidad, Benguet.
We are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00AM – 5:00PM.
As to other services, you can visit our offices or get
information at our website regarding the following:
Monthly Power Rates
Rate Components
Application for Service Connection Requirements
Change of Account Name requirements
BENECO Fees
Accredited Electrical Practitioner/Contractor
Energy Saving Tips
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
As a valued member-consumer, you deserve an
efficient and effective service from BENECO.**Leo Lachica
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
activities or targets of the
employee within the given
rating period.
Employee ratings are
based on the quantity, quality and timeliness of the expected output that he was
able to deliver. The main
objective of the appraisal is
to provide feedback on
how the employee is doing
and discuss ways on how
the employee can best
achieve his or her set targets.
Management, however,
believe that the existing system can still be improved to
achieve its full potential. It
was for this reason that last
January 2010, Ms. Regina
Genosas and Mr. Percival
Crisostomo of Institutional
Development Department
of the National Electrification Administration conducted a seminar on performance appraisal seminar.
The activity was well attended by the Department
Managers, Supervisors and
representatives from the
Rank and File.
The methodologies
used were lectures, group
discussions and workshops.
Through the activity, the
participants gained a better
awareness and understanding on the subject matter.
Improvements are now
being incorporated for the
PAS to better serve its
purpose.** Ailene I. Alafag
The BENECO Journal
IF THERE IS A “Dirty
Jobs” segment in the Discovery Channel, there is a similar project going on with
Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc. (Beneco) and City
Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO).
This is the Survey of Existing Sewage Facilities and
Connections in Baguio City
which began in 2008.
To date, the sewage inventory
has covered 52
barangays with a total of 11,
644 households who willingly
participated in the survey.
The P7 million project
estimated by CEPMO was
initially presented to the City
Council but did not push
through due to fund constraints. CEPMO partnered
with BENECO such that the
inventory started last November 2008. Beneco pro-
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
vided manpower for the survey and technical expertise
in data collation and input
gathering to develop a geographic information system
(GIS) based sewerage management system.
The survey not only provided information for the system but also data on how
many households are connected or not to the sewer
lines; households who violate
proper disposal and management of waste water; households using sanitary septic
tanks; and number of toilets
per household or residence
among others. The data is vital in the proper implementation and management of
sewer lines and in addressing environmental pollution
brought by improper waste
water disposal.
As the BENECO-
A DYE TEST will show if your waste water is being disposed
properly.**
CEPMO Team interviewed
and surveyed households, violations had been discovered
in every barangay. Households, for instance, who discharge their effluents directly
to creeks or rivers or have
leaking pipes or sanitary septic tanks, were notified by
CEPMO to correct these
smelly problems.
On March 18, 2010,
CEPMO called for a water
dialogue and CEPMO orientation with barangay officials representing 15
barangays. Most of the officials were chair persons of
the Health and Sanitation
Committee of the barangays.
It is worthy to note that those
officials whose barangays
were already surveyed were
thankful for the positive
change in environmental conditions of their barangay.
PAGE 7
They asserted that the survey validated the reports of
leaking pipes, dumping of
water waste along creeks,
and other violations of some
residents.
What is more positive is
that once their constituents
were given their notice of
violation, they corrected
their ways and cleaned up
their mess. They also observed the reduction of complaints in relation to waste
water disposal and management.
The Sewage Survey
teams are now surveying
Cresencia Village Barangay
and Alfonso Tabora
Barangay. All concerned
residents of Baguio City are
encouraged to support the
project for the environment
and for our beloved City.**
Chris Gonzales
THE OPERATIONS and Maintenance Department of Beneco
is wary of a mountain ablaze as this can cause undue power
outages so please help prevent forest fires. ** LGSI
PAGE 8
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ The
BENECO Journal
THE TRANSFORMER MAN: James Tarnate, 18 years in BENECO, works like a doctor. What he does is re-wiring, reviving and
giving second life to the expensive distribution transformers. Consultation in his ”transformers clinic” at the Alapang Stockyard
equipped with two big ovens to dry inner parts prior to installation is during regular office hours.** LGSI
NORTHERN SUB-OFFICE staff unload plastic hoses and
relief goods in Bakun some weeks after typhoon Pepeng
devastated the area.**
SECOND VOTER Ben Garcia casts his vote for the Beneco
Employees Labor union (BELU).**
FIRST VOTER Engineer Orlando Albiento writes down his
choices beside a BELU Ballot Box.* *
The BENECO Journal
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
PAGE 9
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
PERFECT COOPERATION for fledgling volleyball amazons produced a champion team.**LGSI
Ladies Volley
Team stand
out victorious
Baguio City Jail: The BENECO Ladies Team stood
their ground walloping the Baguio Fire Department team
emerging as the Champions of the Warden's Cup
invitational Ladies Volleyball Team contest this April.
Over a year of constant practice and recruitment
finally paid off for the BENECO volley belles battling
five teams to reach the top. These were the PNP
BOOM! Newbie Cindy Benitez is poetry in motion jumping for
Ladies, Baguio Fire Department Ladies, Baguio Jail the ball for one spectacular spike against the BJMP
Management and Penology, Baguio City Liga ng ladyguards.**LGSI
Barangay and the Baguio City Jail Inmates Team.
Hungry for victory and excited to play in their first
local circuit competition, the BENECO lady spikers did
not allow the initial loss in their very first game against
the PNP Ladies January this year when the competition
started at the elimination round.
At the semi-finals where the PNP, Fire Department, the Liga ng Barangay team, and BENECO's
banners were left, it was again the PNP Ladies who
gave one loss in a best of three games that BENECO
won with a one loss-two wins standing. **LGSI
BENECO VOLLEYBELLES on cloud 9, posing like
champs.**LGSI
PAGE 10
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ The
BENECO Journal
BENECO updates media on
power sector issues
CABA, La Union March 18 –
More than 25 members of the trimedia in Baguio City and
Benguet were given a one-day
orientation on the Electric Power
Industry Reform Act (EPIRA)
and other issues surrounding
the operations of rural electric
cooperatives.
The activity was sponsored
by BENECO, in coordination with
the Baguio Correspondents and
Broadcasters (BCBC) Inc, to
equip mediamen with basic concepts of the EPIRA to allow them
to properly download accurate
information and data to the consumers.
BENECO officials led by
General Manager Gerardo
Verzosa and the department
heads took turns in providing the
members of the media with detailed information regarding
power generation transmission
and distribution, including rate
computation during the
weekend briefing held at Villa
Navarro, Saturday, March 13,
2010.
Lawyer Delmar Carino,
Benguet Press Corps President,
started by presenting the basic
concepts surrounding EPIRA, a
law aimed at providing the
people affordable power rates as
well as encouraging healthy competition among power generators
in providing consumers with efficient and reliable power.
Engr. Melchor Licoben,
manager of BENECO’s engineering department, explained that
while this was the purpose of
privatizing almost all of the power
generation plants nationwide, he
theorized that there is no way
power rates will go down in the
next several years considering
the excessive investments infused by the new owners of old
and dilapidated power plants to
make the facilities operational.
Moreover, he added that
people are faced with more blackouts in the future if no additional
power generation plants will be
commissioned in the next five to
ten years since there is a drastic
increase in power demand among
the fast growing communities.
Engr. Art Bacoco, head of
BENECO’s Northern Sub Area,
talked about the transmission
and distribution systems in
Beneco’s franchise area wherein
there exist several transmission
lines connected to the different
power substations in strategic
areas in Baguio and Benguet to
ensure the continuous supply of
power to industrial, commercial
and residential consumers.
Officials also bared plans of
putting up of two 50 mva substations within the newly-acquired 1.2-hectare property along
South Drive to ensure an efficient
supply of power to all its 120,000
consumers even if its other power
sub-stations will become non-operational.
Alejandro delos Santos Jr.,
Corporate Services Department
head, explained all rates included
in the monthly electric bill of consumers are duly approved by the
Energy Regulation Commission
(ERC). Thus, Beneco and other
electric cooperatives do not dictate the rates
being charged
to consumers
contrary
to
speculations
being raised by
various sectors.
NOMINEES FOR THE 1-CARE party list signed and presented the covenant on the
supremacy of the Party's Constitution and By-Laws, Principles and Advocacies, Rules,
Policies and Procedures before the National Board and Members during the National
Convention in February 25, 2010. In Photo are (l-r); Nominee for Visayas-Salvador P.
Cabaluna III, Luzon-Michael Angelo C. Rivera, Mindanao-Jesus Y. Castro. and Wilfred
Billena-National Board President. **
Amor Dapiawen
What is left as
income for utilization of all
coops is the
distribution,
supply and metering charge
which is less
than P1 per kilowatt-hour while
the generation
and transmission charges are
merely pass on
charges from
the power producers and the
National grid Corporation of the
Philippines (NGCP).
Brenda Carling, Consumer
Services Department Manager
based at the Bonoan office, said
Beneco will soon open a wider
collection center at the fourth
floor of the Maharlika Livelihood
Center for the convenience of
consumers preventing them
from lining up in the narrow collection center.
Engr. Joselito Villarey, Corporate Planning Department
manager, explained that big consumers with power consumptions of over 1 megawatt have
the option to look for other
sources of power but they will
be required by the electric cooperative to pay the corresponding wheeling-in fee for using the
coop’s distribution lines. Because of the presence of the contestable market, distribution utilities are forced to improve their
systems in order to deliver reliable power current to their consumers so that the big loaders
will not be tempted to look for
other suppliers.
In closing, Verzosa clarified
certain issues especially those
raised in the privilege speech of
Baguio Councilor Fred
Bagbagen questioning the supposed over priced purchase of a
1.2-hectare property along South
Drive which will be used as a
central station of the BENECO.
Verzosa said the transaction
was above board since it was
passed by concerned technical
committees and the the Board of
Directors who are representatives of the consumers in the
cooperative’s policy-making
body.
More importantly, the purchase will not result to higher
power rates for the consumers
continued on page 11
The BENECO Journal ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ PAGE
11
Board DCF 1st Q 2010 disbursements bared
ONE OF THE ISSUES that
cropped up recently and also
during the December 5, 2009
Annual General Membership Assembly of the Benguet Electric
Cooperative Inc. is theDistrict
Contingency Fund of the Board
of Directors.
This is tied directly with the
issue of representation and by
all reckoning, the member consumers have spoken and have
elected the people that will be
their voice in policy-making and
direction of the affairs of
Cooperative.
This DCF continues to be
an issue and it’s high time that
this is addressed.
One of the functions of the
members of the Board is to carry
out the objectives and responsibilities of BENECO not only to
member consumers but also to
the community as a whole. Each
Director is given leeway to manage a District Contingency Fund
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
BENECO updates media
...frompage10
because this was purchased using the trust of banks in the capacity of Beneco to settle its obligations including its loans without compromising the interest of
its consumers in terms of operations and rural electrification.
Verzosa said he is willing to
face anyone in any public forum
to discuss the merits of the purchase of the property which will
be used as a new center for the
operations of Beneco to effectively and efficiently attend to the
needs of its clients.
Verzosa appealed to the
public not to be carried away by
criticisms hurled against the cooperative regarding its activities
and operations but instead carefully evaluate such allegations
and the response of such detractors or their underlying intentions for the benefit of transparency.** Jun Paguli/D. See
(DCF) which will be used to finance various expenses of
Beneco in carrying out its Corporate Social Responsibility
projects and activities.
Time and again, General
Manager Gerardo P. Verzosa and
other management officials have
emphasized this: the DCF remains
in the custody of Beneco. Requests for assistance come from
various sectors and there are
many. Letters addressed to a particular Director asking for donations, financial assistance and
the like are being endorsed
through the Office of the Gen-
eral Manager for proper action.
The GM or management official alone cannot handle such
traffic of requests and so the final recommending approval was
given to the Director of the district concerned. The fund is disbursed through checks which are
named in almost all cases to the
recipients. All checks for the
above matters pass through preaudit and post audit procedures
conducted by the Internal Audit
Department.
Liquidation Reports for
cash advances are being submitted by the different Members of
the Board and such reports pass
through the same audit and control procedures. Unliquidated
cash advances to the Fund for
an unreasonable period of time
are charged to the per diems of
the concerned Director.
For the sake of transparency, presented here is the summary of DCF disbursements by the
Members of the Board of Directors for the period January 1 to
March 15, 2010. These disbursements are purposely classified
according to the following: social
projects, medical and educational
assistance.** Roel B. Vicente
Summary of Board of Directors DCF Disbursements
For the period Covering January 1 to March 15, 2010
Director
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
ANTERO BUSWILAN
BENNY O. BOMOGAO
EDWARD D. DOGUI-IS
FERDY K. BAYASEN
GASPAR P. LEUNG
GEORGE D. MONTES
JOEY J.L. MARRERO
PETER BUSAING
ROCKY M. ALIPING
VIRGILIO D. ORCA, JR.
Social
Projects
48,500.00
7,500.00
7,000.00
205,000.00
8,500.00
24,500.00
159,465.00
12,000.00
190,000.00
8,000.00
Medical/Financial Educational
Projects
Assistance
5,500.00
11,500.00
7,500.00
4,500.00
2,500.00
7,000.00
13,500.00
17,000.00
4,500.00
4,000.00
3,500.00
69,985.00
9,000.00
17,500.00
4,500.00
13,000.00
18,579.00
43,000.00
4,719.00
1,000.00
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS from January 1 to March 15, 2010
Board members in a huddle prior to a meeting with NEA officers.**
Total
Disbursements
65,500.00
19,500.00
16,500.00
235,500.00
17,000.00
97,985.00
185,965.00
29,500.00
251,579.00
13,719.00
932,748.00
PAGE 12
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Saving on your bill?
Here are some
Consumer Tips
1.
2.
Electricity costs money. Costs will continue to increase.
This is because the fuels needed to generate electricity are
becoming more expensive. So, whenever you buy an electrical product, pay attention to the power it uses. Try different
sizes of bulbs or COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS (CFL)
in your home. Use the smallest one that gives you clear, safe
vision. On appliances, look at the nameplate. Make sure a
power consumption rating is given. The lower the power
rating, the more you can save on your electric bills.
To be sure of the value of electrical products you buy, read
3.
BENECO Journal
the labels and tags carefully. One thing to look for is the
name of the Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL). This is an independent testing organization. UL tests many electrical products. A UL seal or tag assures you that the product meets
safety specifications.
Check the capacity of all
wires you buy for
household use. Make
sure it can carry the
load for which it will
be used. Too small
a wire could be
dangerous. If the
wire is too
big, you will
surely waste
money.**
Laurence
Basil
Reca meter readers undergo
meter reading skills seminar
TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES
of the organized Rural Electric
Consumers
Associations
(RECA), their designated meter
readers underwent Meter Reading Seminar and Accuracy test
last November 28, 2009 at the
Punctuality Hall, DPS-BENECO
WATTS UP? Reading Kilo Watt Hour Meters in a seminar.**
Building.
Rural Electric Cooperative
Associations (RECA) are consumer organizations in rural
communities of BENECO coverage areas where in they have
their own meter reading and bill
collection services for their
members. Compared to
Barangay Power Association or
BAPA where billing is based on
the mother meter, RECA members are billed individually.
Inaccurate reading of
meters is one of the complaints
BENECO received from consumers wherein a simple mistake in
the reading may translate to
hundreds or even thousands of
pesos added or subtracted to
the bill of the affected member.
If this can’t be avoided, this
translates to inefficiency of the
service provider and lessen the
trust and confidence of member
consumers.
Meter reading supervisor
Edward Albin, presented during
the seminar different kinds of
KWH meters, sundial and the
digital type and introduced tips
on how to read accurately. He
also stressed the importance of
reading KWH meters on a regular schedule. These should be
read on a specified date and allowed time only. Reading behind schedule may reflect high
consumption and reading early
also may result to low consumption. These irregularities may
then result to varied consumer
monthly consumption.
To continually develop
their meter reading skills for
the betterment of the service,
the meter readers were also invited to attend the Meter Reading Accuracy Test conducted
monthly by the Meter Reading
Office for all meter readers.
With the continuous training and skills development of
these meter readers, then the
house next door and all consumers are assured that they are
billed based on what they consume. All in the principle: Quality service is our way of life.**
Amor Dapiawen
The BENECO Journal ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ PAGE
13
Kapangan mentors hold forum on
early childhood education program
Kapangan, Benguet — Thirtynine Daycare Teachers, 27 Grade
I Teachers, 9 School Administrators and Municipal Social
Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) personnel joined
the 8-Week Curriculum for Early
Child Development November
24 -27, 2009 at Dap-ayan Hall,
Lomon Central School.
Discussion on the Legal
Bases of Early Childhood Education (ECE) program by Principal Francisco M. Contero started
the seminar, followed by lectures
on Inclusive Education and Identification of Children with Special Needs by teachers Minerva
A. Bangcado and Noel Winnan.
This was further clarified with
inputs of BENECO Market Analyst Christophere Gonzales. The
teachers
clamored for
a separate training on children
with special needs prompting
Gonzales to commit a symposium
on this for 2010 as a supplemental activity for the training.
The seminar targeted the
participants’ competencies and
awareness on teaching techniques and preparation of instructional materials that will enrich teaching-learning processes. The teachers also
learned the role of songs, poems, rhymes, storytelling and
games in educating children
aside from helping them identify children with special needs
in response to the challenges of
Education for All (EFA) and
the objectives of inclusive
education.
Management of Blocks of
Time and Development of the
Eight-Week Curriculum were
discussed by Principal Harvey
L. Banciong. Demonstration
teachings on the development
of the lessons were tackled by
Master Teacher 2 Nancy B.
Accos, Master Teacher 1
Venerinda M. Balagsa, Teacher
3 Lorna Cubangay and Teacher
3 Jovena Arandia. The teachers
shared strategies to help de-
PLAYTIME! No hanky-panky here, just teachers trying their hand at puzzles for them learn
techniques on how to stimulate and develop creativity and problem solving skills among
children.** Cris Gonzales
velop the learner’s reading,
mental, motor and social skills
through games, songs, stories
and the like. These positive
early childhood experiences and
activities were proven by
studies as a determinant of good
performance of Grade 1 pupils
in the formal school system.
To monitor the efficiency
in implementing the eight-week
curriculum program, Coordinating Principal Aladin M. Dobinto
requested an Action Plan from
the participants. The participants appreciated the new ideas
they learned and committed to
do their best to practice the inputs, strategies and innovations
learned during the training,
while, the school principals will
support and monitor implementation.
The participants thanked
DepEd, MSWD and BENECO
through a song for making the
training a success. The training
was realized through a proposal
by the Kapangan District Coordinating Principal Dr. Aladin M.
Dobinto and MSWDO Dr.
Marlon Baso to BENECO
through Market Analyst
Christophere Gonzales. With the
support of other school administrators, the training was designed by the School Principals
Francisco M. Contero and
Harvey L. Banciong who both
attended the Eight Week Curriculum Training in Pangasinan
summer of 2009. The training
was in line with the need to
strengthen the Early Childhood
Eucation (ECE) program and
to improve the quality of
education through strong and
competent teachers.
Improvement of the (ECE)
Program is one of the goals of
the Department of Education
(DepEd) and the Municipal Social Welfare Development
(MSWD) in line with thrust as
stipulated under Executive Order 685 of 2008. In view of these,
institutions within the communities shall provide ECE programs to stimulate and develop
children before they enter elementary grades as specified in
the “Education for All (EFA)
goals of 2015.” ** C. Gonzales
and Dr. A. M. Dobinto
**M.L. Esteban
PAGE 14
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The BENECO Journal
Bakun sitios Masalin
and Papasok switched
on for P2.2 M
(Or How Engineer Art Bacoco Did Not Have To
Pee On His Pants)
On February 25, 2010, sitio
Masalin and Papasok in Bakun
finally had their official switching on ceremony. The road to
this place was rough and dusty
but this did not dampen the
spirits of the people on their way
to the venue of the ceremonial
switch on. The day was warm
and sunny which reflected the
mood of the people present in
the community church in
Liwang, Papasok, Bakun. The
guests of honor were present
and the village folks were excited in anticipation of what the
guests of honor will tell them.
Representing Governor
Fongwan was Mr. Paul Bagano;
Board member Rogelio Leon of
Kapangan came on behalf of
Vice-Governor
Cresencio
Pacalso. Engineer Artemio
Bacoco, this representation and
linemen Roy Menzi and Ruel
Bumidang
represented
BENECO. Also present were
Mayor Marcelo Contada of
Bakun,
Councilors
Paul
Dalmones, Baldas
Ognaden, Edwin
Bandao, Lorenzo
Santiban,
Bill
Raymundo and TOWN, PROVINCIAL, BENECO and Barangay Officials join in for the
ABC President
ceremonial switch on.**
A m a n d o
Camodag. Bakun police chief program of the electric coopera- wished to experience electricity
Lozano attended.
tives under the National Electri- before she moves on to that
Sitio Masalin and Papasok fication Administration because happy place in the sky, but she
in Bakun has a total project cost even the unviable areas are believes that BENECO wouldn’t
of Php 2,213,455.33 and the re- given the opportunity to be en- be able to grant her wish. Engiturn on investment on the said ergized and enjoy the benefits neer Bacoco assured her that
project is around 104 years. A of electricity.
BENECO would grant her
total of 5.07 kilometers of primary
Most of the guests of honor wish. If not, then he will pee on
line was used and 2.94 kilome- talked about the benefits of elec- his pants. That explained the
ters of secondary line was uti- tricity and thanked BENECO for tears of joy and the hug she
lized for the project.
being true to their mandate. En- gave Engineer Art, because she
For the poles, 4 units of 35- gineer Bacoco on the other hand was so grateful of the fulfilled
footers and 72 pieces of 30 foot discussed the rights and obli- promise and assured Engineer
steel poles were used for the gations of member-consumers Bacoco that she would not forproject. The transformers that and the importance and dangers get him and BENECO for bringserviced the project were 1 unit of electricity.
ing electricity to their place.
10 KVA and 3 units 15 KVA.
What was outsanding was
Most city folks take for
These figures show clearly when Engineer Bacoco looked granted the benefits of electricthe BENECO mandate of light- for Mrs. Dumanog, an elderly ity and other modern amenities
ing up the countryside
woman from the place. When in life. Mrs. Dumanog took alThe people are most thank- Mrs. Dumanog stood up to be most eighty years to fulfill her
ful for the rural electrification recognized there were tears well- dream of having electricity in her
ing in her eyes. It was learned home. Sometimes urbanite folks
later that Mrs. Dumanog was have to look back, slow down
one of the skeptics during one and smell the flowers so that we
“Light to all, progress in the future”. These are simple and few of Engineer Bacoco’s informa- can truly give thanks and appreciate the things we have, for
words from Sir Dan Francisco but it holds a thousand truths to tion drives in Bakun.
Mrs.
Dumanog
then
told
we are blessed indeed!**
the people of Benguet regarding power and electrification.
Engineer Bacoco that she Dan Felix P.Francisco
Nokid stuff...
While Sir Dan patiently discussed the different sources of
energy and how BENECO lighted the farthest unviable barrios of
Benguet, I was reminded of our hometown in Tacadang, Kibungan
which I had to walk for 12 hours before reaching the highway
when we are going home. This place is not yet energized because
of its remoteness.
As I ponder on these thought provoking words from our
speaker, progress really is happening to the places which were
already energized. Every household can already watch television, use washing machines, rice cookers, heaters, computers
and most of all, cell phones. Progress is really everywhere, life
becomes comfortable.
However, all these are all in vain and impossible if there is no
BENECO which paved the way to a more comfortable and easier
way of life for our families.
My family left the place where I was born ten years ago for
greener pastures, but my memories linger there whenever the topic
of progress is raised. My hometown is still the opposite of the
place I described earlier. I am hoping and praying that BENECO
will soon reach and energize the place where I was born so that
the comfort we are experiencing now will also be felt by the people
staying there too, so that at the end, all people in Benguet will
unitedly say MABUHAY BENECO! * Hil L. Balong
(Hil L. Balong is a grade 5 student of Labinio-Aquisio Elementary School, Bakun, Benguet and a participant of the Journalism Training Seminar project of MSEAC-Bakun and BENECO/
NSAD-COMREL. Energization of Barangay Tacadang and
neighboring Badeo also in Kibungan is presently ongoing with
a P14 million grant subsidy from the National Electrification
Administraton— Editor’s Note)
The BENECO Journal ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ MARCH 2010 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○PAGE
15
A fiction story by Aurelio G. Lapniten
The Story of Ben and Eco
* Lesson Number One *
A crow was sitting on a tree,
doing nothing all day. A small rabbit
saw the crow, and asked him, "Can I
also sit like you and do nothing all
day long?"
The crow answered: "Sure, why
not."
So, the rabbit sat on the ground
below the crow, and rested. All of a
sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on
the rabbit and ate it.
Management Lesson: To be sitting
and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
* Lesson Number Two *
A turkey was chatting with a
bull.
"I would love to be able to get to
the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy.
"Well, why don't you nibble on some
of my droppings?" replied the bull.
"They're packed with nutrients."
The turkey pecked at a lump of
dung and found that it actually gave
him enough strength to reach the first
branch of the tree. The next day, after
eating some more dung, he reached
the second branch. Finally after a fortnight, there he was proudly perched
at the top of the tree. Soon he was
promptly spotted by a farmer, who
shot the turkey out of the tree.
Management Lesson: Bullshit
might get you to the top, but it won't
keep you there.
* Lesson Number Three *
When the body was first made,
all the parts wanted to be Boss. The
brain said, "I should be Boss because
I control the whole body's responses
and functions."
The feet said, "We should be
Boss as we carry the brain about and
get him to where he wants to go."
The hands said, "We should be the
Boss because we do all the work and
earn all the money." And so it went
on and on with the heart, the lungs
and the eyes until finally the asshole
spoke up.
All the parts laughed at the idea
of the asshole being the Boss. So the
asshole went on strike, blocked itself
up and refused to work. Within a short
time the eyes became crossed, the
hands clenched, the feet twitched, the
heart and lungs began to panic and
the brain fevered. Eventually they all
decided that the asshole should be
the Boss, so the motion was passed.
All the other parts did all the
work while the Boss just sat and
passed out the shit!
Management Lesson: You don't
need brains to be Boss, any asshole
will do!
* Lesson Number Four *
A little bird was flying south
for the winter. It was so cold, the
bird froze and fell to the ground in a
large field. While it was lying there,
a cow came by and dropped some
dung on it. As the frozen bird lay
there in the pile of cow dung, it began to realize how warm it was. The
dung was actually thawing him out!
He lay there all warm and
happy, and soon began to sing for
joy. A passing cat heard he bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered
the bird under the pile of cow dung,
and promptly dug him out and ate
him!
Management Lessons Summary:
1. Not everyone who drops shit on
you is your enemy.
2. Not everyone who gets you out
of shit is your friend.
3. When you're in deep shit, keep
your mouth shut!
ENGINEER ROY OLATIC and his
Engineer
staff of Roy
Northern
OlaticMen
andwait
his
for their turn on boom truck training.
staff of “Northern Onen.”
There was once lived a newly married couple in a remote village. The village is
fortunate enough to have been energized by BENECO despite the distance from the
road. The electrification is the fruits of diligent labor of the General Manager who
patiently called series of community consultations and meetings so just to get the
support of the barrio folks. Without much waiting, there is willingness and collaborate intention from the people. In short, electric posts and accessories were manually
hauled to the village. The community folks in the spirit of bayanihan erected the poles
with the technical supervision of BENECO experts. One after the other, the village
houses started flickering not with the usual sooty gas lamps or “saleng” sticks but
with beautiful fluorescent lamps.
Life in the village has some changes. Children can study well. Mothers can do
more household chores even late in the evening. Sound of music and drama on radios
boom louder unlike when households are using the Eveready batteries sounds are
moderated thinking that they can prolong the life of the batteries. During the night, if
seen at a distance the village seems to be the reflection of sky with twinkling stars.
Going back to the newly married couple, life for them has a bit of change. They
were happy with the new lighting system they have. They can do some household
chores even late in the evening too and sometimes they would not notice the approach
of midnight.
The wife got pregnant. Before pregnant, she used to go to the BENECO suboffice in the community to pay their bills. The gate of the BENECO sub-office is
fancied with a “butterfly type”. The word BENECO is proudly printed on the gate.
Because of the nature of the gate, the word “BEN” is printed on the other wing while
the word “ECO” is printed on the other wing. Whenever the young wife enters the
sub-office she would visibly read “BEN” on the wing of the gate on her left and when
she exits she would visible read “ECO” on the other wing of the gate same on her left.
The two words got registered in her mind and sometimes she would wonder what the
two words mean. After some time, the wife got pregnant.
Months passed and the wife can no longer travel to the sub-office since she’s
just counting days when she will give birth. The ever loving husband has to take care
of the errand in paying their electric bills. Since the wife related what she observed in
the sub-office gate, the husband took a careful look. Neither he could also decipher
what the two words mean but one thing is sure he cannot shake out the words from his
mind.
Time came for the wife to give birth. She gave birth to a bouncing and healthy
twin baby boys. The village “partira or hilot” who assisted the couple asked what
name will the couple give to their babies but they could not think of any. All of a
sudden, the wife remembered the two words on the gate of the sub-office so she said,
“Darling, why don’t we name our boys Ben and Eco.” The husband approved
without thinking.
The two healthy boys grew named Ben and Eco. They attended a Primary
School not far from their home. The two boys were active and intelligent. They were
always given part during school programs like reciting a poem together, singing a
song together or acrostic together.
One Christmas time, the teacher-in-charge of the Primary School suggested a
joint celebration with the villagers. They decided to invite the general manager of
BENECO to be the honored guest of which it was unanimously approved by the
village folks. As it was, the twins, Ben and Eco were given a special part to recite a
poem together. Elated by the participation of their children the proud couple bought
a yellow T-shirts and had their names printed on the front side. The two boys proudly
wore their newly printed T-shirt.
The day of the program came. The program started without the honored guest
as it has to start on time while waiting for the guest speaker. Assurance came that the
GM will surely be arriving only he is taking the uphill path slowly because he has a
hard time with his added cargo of fats in his “bilbil.”
The part of the twins was called. The two boys recited poem and were standing
on the stage in a PMAer pose when the GM arrived. He is welcomed with what he saw
on the stage two boys with their T-shirt printed with “BENECO”. On top of them on
the gutter of the roof hang the “WELCOME” sign of the school. The GM thought it’s
a way of welcoming him so raised both hands as in the act of surrendering as a sign of
acknowledgement and with a broad smile that cut across his face. His exhaustion
vanished and he felt he just walked out from his office to the comfort room.
The part of the GM was called. He gave an unusually short but very inspiring
message which he capped by saying, “Beloved folks of Barrio Kulangi. You made my
day! Thank you very much for organizing this BENECO program as shown in the Tshirt of those two boys. I am proud to see those two boys with their T-shirt printed
with BENECO and you do acrostic very unique. I will give the parent two Smart prepaid card worth of 500. (As this is the way the GM usually reward somebody that
challenges him.) This is indeed a very memorable Christmas for me.” The people
applauded his message with standing ovation as they chorused with laughter.
When the GM is seated the EMCEE informed him that the two boys were BEN
and ECO and they just recited a poem not an acrostic. “It is their name that is printed
in their T-shirt and this is a Christmas program for the school and the village and not
a BENECO program”, said the EMCEE. The people around laughed but instead of
being embarrassed the more the GM felt proud of what BENECO brought to the
villagers . . . the light that brightened every home. **