IIEE - 2014 Q4 EE Magazine

IIEE.ORG.PH VOLUME XLV 4th QUARTER 2014 1

C O N T E N T SV O L U M E X LV 4 T H Q U A R T E R 2 0 1 4

IS THE POWER CRISIS REAL?

15The Electrical Engineer magazine talks to two electrical engineers to hear their personal thoughts about the the state of the nation’s power supply.

EMERGENCY POWERS TO BENEFIT BIG BUSINESS

19Ibon explains why it believes Congress should replace EPIRA, and why emergency powers for the President will only benefit big business.

IIEE SPEAKS: SUPPORT THE GRID, SAY NO TO ILP

14IIEE leaders give their thoughts on the looming power crisis.

IIEE’S 39TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION AND 3E XPO 2014

24Here’s what you might have missed.

WE HAVE A POWER SHORTAGE AND WE CAN SOLVE IT. BUT HOW?

20The head of the Senate energy committee shares his thoughts.

WWF CALLS ON DOETO SEIZE THE WINDTHIS 2015

23The WWF calls on financial institutions, private investors, pension funds and governments to avoid fossil-fuel investments and, instead, support clean and affordable renewable energy sources.

PETILLA’S PETITION

VOLUME XLV 4th QUARTER 20142 IIEE.ORG.PH

DIPOLOG IN A DAY28Here’s what to do in “the bottled sardine capital of the Philippines.”

THE DIY DETOX DIET30In recent years, the idea of undergoing detoxification has become very popular, perhaps because we live in a world filled with noxious substances—both seen and unseen.

GETTING TO KNOW ENGINEER MARLI P. ACOSTA-DE FIESTA

27

TALKING POINTS32

FROM THE OFFICE OFTHE NATIONAL PRESIDENT

04

FROM THE OFFICE OFTHE VICE PRESIDENTFOR TECHNICAL AFFAIRS

05

LIGHTING PRODUCTSYOU CAN RELY ON

06

IIEE HOLDS TURNOVER CEREMONIES

08

CENERTEC PHILIPPINES INC. AND IIEE FOUNDATION AGREE ON STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

092ND WESTERN MINDANAO REGIONAL CONFERENCE HELD IN ZAMBOANGA

CENTRAL LAGUNA HOSTS SOUTHERN LUZON TURNOVER

10IIEE LA UNION INDUCTION PROGRAM

IIEE-CRCSA RECEIVES BANAAG AWARD FROM MALACAÑANG

11THE 17TH EXHIBIT BOOTH COMPETITION WINNERS

PLDT SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH IIEE

CALAMITY COMMAND CENTER TO RISE IN BICOL

07

We welcome your ideas, questions, and photos. Please send your letters to

[email protected]. Electrical Engineer magazine reserves the right to edit articles

for the sake of clarity, grammar, and brevity.


The views and opinions expressed by the contributors of The Electrical Engineer magazine do not necessarily reflect the views the editors and publishers of the magazine or of Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE). IIEE and the editorial board carry no responsibility for the opinions expressed in the magazine.

Articles or visual materials may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept, edit, or refuse submitted materials for publication. Articles, reactions, and feedback from readers may be sent through email at [email protected].

ABOUTTHE COVER

M I S S I O NTo deliver high-quality products and services in order to instill excellence in the electrical practitioner, and to enhance the technical profession to enable it to make positive contributions to national development.

V I S I O NTo be the best and most prestigious professionaltechnical organization in the Philippines.

V O L U M E X LV4 T H Q U A R T E R 2 0 1 4

P R I N T I N G B Y : L E X M E D I A D I G I T A L

I N T E G R I T Y . I N N O V A T I O N . E M P O W E R M E N T . E X C E L L E N C E .

The Electrical Engineer is published quarterly by the Institute of IntegratedElectrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE), with editorial and business offices at

#41 Monte de Piedad St., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.Tel Nos. (632) 722-7383, 727- 3552, 412-5772, 414-5626, Fax Nos. (632) 721-6442 & 410-1899.

Website: www.iiee.org.ph; E-mail: [email protected] an e-copy, you may visit our website, www.iiee.org.ph

The present circulation of the magazine is 35,000 copies per issue to members and industry stakeholders.

Will a power shortage cripple the country in 2015?The Electrical Engineer magazine will try to answer some of the burning questions surroundingthe power crisis.

C O V E R P H O T O : J O H A N S L U C E N A

2 0 1 4 T H E M ECONTINUOUSLY ENHANCING ELECTRICAL PRACTITIONERS’ COMPETITIVENESS

TOWARDS GLOBAL EXCELLENCE

CHAIRMANEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ASSOCIATE EDITORTECHNICAL CONSULTANTADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

FLORIGO C. VARONAROLITO C. GUALVEZRONALD VINCENT M. SANTIAGOALLAN C. NERVESRAMON P. AYATON

T H E E L E C T R I C A L E N G I N E E R E D I T O R I A L B O A R D

CONSULTING TEAM LEADEREDITORIAL CONSULTANT

LAYOUT ARTISTEDITORIAL ASSISTANT

ARIEL ROSELOKRIS LACABAJON DELOS REYESGELYN O. LEE

E D I T O R I A L S T A F F

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS IDA NANETTE-DAMO,NINJ REYES-ABAY, AND GREGG YAN

CHAIRMANVICE CHAIRMAN

MEMBERS

OVERSEER

ROLITO C. GUALVEZRONALD VINCENT M. SANTIAGOALLAN C. NERVESCYRUS V. CANTOERLINDO C. TACNENG JR.KRISTIAN CARLO B. VICTORIOMARVIN H. CASEDA FLORIGO C. VARONA

P U B L I C A T I O N S C O M M I T T E E

NATIONAL PRESIDENTVP-INTERNAL AFFAIRSVP-EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

VP-TECHNICAL AFFAIRSNATIONAL SECRETARYNATIONAL TREASURER

NATIONAL AUDITORGOVERNOR-NORTHERN LUZON

GOVERNOR-CENTRAL LUZONGOVERNOR-METRO MANILA

GOVERNOR-SOUTHERN LUZONGOVERNOR-BICOL

GOVERNOR-WESTERN VISAYASGOVERNOR-EASTERN/CENTRAL VISAYAS

GOVERNOR-NORTHERN MINDANAOGOVERNOR-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

GOVERNOR-WESTERN MINDANAOEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEX C. CABUGAO MA. SHEILA C. CABARABANLARRY C. CRUZFLORIGO C. VARONAJOEBE B. PANHILASONFLORENCIO D. BERENGUELVIRGILIO S. LUZARESJUAN R. AGTARAP IIYOLANDA S. POSADAS-JUDANARIEL P. DURANELMER O. CASAOAMANDO D. LANUZAROGEN B. DELOS REYESWILFREDO P. CAÑIZARESRAMIL L. OMBINAGEORGE R. BALILIALVIN P. MIGUELRAMON P. AYATON

2 0 1 4 I I E E B O A R D O F G O V E R N O R S

ADMINISTRATIVE-OICTECHNICALMARKETING

MEMBERSHIPFINANCE-OIC

MARY ANN B. GUILLENMA. ELENA U. LIONGSONALLEN M. PIDOMARJORIE AGUINALDO-MUÑOZEMEE F. SULIT

I I E E N A T I O N A L S E C R E T A R I A T D E P A R T M E N T H E A D S

MARKETING SUPPORT APPLE JUNE P. UBAY-UBAY

A D V E R T I S I N G A N D M A R K E T I N G

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS JOHANS LUCENA, RANDOLPHLAMZON, AND KEVIN ABELLON


FROM THE OFFICEOF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT

B Y A L E X C . C A B U G A O

he last quarter of the year was indeed fast paced as we close the year with significant achievements. The successful holding of 39th Annual National Conven-tion (ANC) and the 3EXPO 2014 gathered some 3,000 delegates, 200 local and international exhibitors marking another

milestone in the history of the institute. For the first time in 39 years of IIEE, we honor the men and women who served and gave their very best in the first Presidents’ Night, both those who served in the national office and in the chapters. With the special awards, we inspire others to live the spirit of service and excellence.

Aside from the ANC, we were able to participate in the Philippine Association of Professional Regulatory Boards Professional Summit held on Oct.16 and 17, 2014, at the Ma-nila Hotel. The focus of the summit is to align the Philippine Qualification Framework with international standards, paving the way for the recognition of our educational system.

Together with the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineer-ing, IIEE hosted the Philippines Technological Council (PTC) meeting held on Oct. 2, 2014, at the IIEE national office. As the umbrella organization of all professional engineering societies, PTC is spearheading a campaign for membership in the Washington Accord (WA), the first of the seven interna-tional agreements governing mutual recognition of engineer-ing qualifications and professional competence.

On the advocacy side, the institute lobbied to Sen. Sergio R.

Osmena III, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, our proposed solutions to mitigate the looming power crisis in 2015. In this regard, IIEE represented by yours truly, IIEE Foundation, Inc. Chairman Engr. Rodolfo N. Ferrer and IIEE Foundation, Inc. President Arthur A. Lopez attended the Senate committee hearing on Dec. 16, 2014.

Through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, the 2014 Presidential Awards for Filipino individual and organization overseas who have contributed greatly to Philippine devel-opment initiatives was conferred to the IIEE – Central Region Chapter Saudi Arabia in Malacañan Palace on Dec. 5, 2014 by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III. This is another testimony of the Institute’s commitment to continuously enhance technical competencies of its members. We congratulate IIEE-CRCSA for having been conferred the Banaag Awards for 2014!

In this issue, allow me to share my parting shots having joined all of you in my journey as your 2014 National Presi-dent.

All these years, we could proudly say that IIEE has enriched us most of all with tradition of camaraderie that is unique to IIEE, not to mention the expansion of our individual networks and professional development.

The year 2014 has been good as we banner Vision 2020 and focus our efforts on the chapter- the basic unit of the orga-nization – magnifying the rights and interest of the general membership that has always guided the Institute.

Warmest greetings to my fellow electrical engineers.

T

{ C O N T I N U E D O N T H E N E X T P A G E }


An elaborative strategic direction for the next six years, Vision 2020 calls for action and change as the demands of our members become sophisticated. Thus, we challenge everyone, most especially those who truly love IIEE, to break the bonds of an ordinary existence and find courage to em-brace and radiate bold changes to make IIEE a more relevant organization.

I am fortunate to have a team who also wants to be growth catalysts, change makers and thought transformers in terms of provoking action and cultivating community in IIEE.

We believe that the capacity of an organization to thrive in change depends on its ability to rethink the very essence of its purpose and destiny. It must create for itself new dreams. The future is not just a destination. The future is something we must build together.

To the people and institutions we serve, who continue to see the beauty and meaning of our endeavors, you inspire us

more as we renew our commitment to deliver the best we can, despite the changing times and conditions. Thus, I say thank you for your unwavering trust as we strive to put your best interest always.

For whatever shortcomings, they are mine. For whatever its strength, these are the generous contribution of others. I can not accomplish anything without the support of Exec-utive Committee, Board of Governors, Council of National Presidents and Administrative Staff. I owe you all what my presidency has accomplished. My heartfelt gratitude and appreciation go to all of you - for all your selfless service as we make a difference in the lives of our members.

This is just the start of a journey. It will demand the best from all of us. In the meantime, the torch has to be passed to our next set of officers and leaders.

My hope to a very exciting and engaging year as we cele-brate the 40th founding anniversary of IIEE this 2015.

epartment of Energy Sec. Jericho Petilla earlier announced with certainty a looming scarcity in electric power supply come the summer of 2015 when demand is expected to peak. He thus lobbied Congress to give special powers to the President to intervene.

What a bummer: the situation could only get worse without warning if you lack skills in planning. It could get very uncom-fortable in the neighborhood if we don’t have enough power to beat El Niño.

Due to this threatening energy crisis that could further op-press the public, various power crisis solutions have surfaced to counter any eventuality. Demand-side management and energy saving programs including net metering, interrupt-ible load program (ILP), load shifting (from utility to own generator), load sharing, etc. are being devised to do the workaround. Despite all these, it would be the end-users’ sacrificial cooperation we needed the most.

IIEE is one tough institute that can take on the challenge. Its members are fortified with high competencies and skills to

contribute towards national development thus the ability to ensure electricity supply and distribution services to every community what they’re due.

Energy conservation should become everybody’s responsibili-ty, as it is of great importance that we be aware of it, not only to ourselves but also to the environment and our precious habitat as well.

Meanwhile, I have high hopes that this growing social aware-ness will serve as a prime mover to our government to enact and demonstrate effective, convenient and long-term bulk electricity supply and distributed generation strategies to this country.

With a positive vision along with the bayanihan spirit, I am almost certain that we can survive this and any other adversi-ty facing our electric power industry.

Have an optimistic journey ahead!

Welcome to The Electrical Engineer magazine 4th quarter issue!

FROM THE OFFICE OFTHE VICE PRESIDENT

FOR TECHNICALAFFAIRS

B Y F L O R I G O C . V A R O N A

“Within every little dream seed is the potential viability of sprouting to

becoming a great forest.”- I S R A E L M O R E A Y I V O R , S H A P I N G T H E D R E A M

D

{ C A B U G A O . C O N T I N U E D F R O M P R E V I O U S P A G E }

VOLUME XLV 4th QUARTER 20146

NEWS

IIEE.ORG.PH

Del Gallego

Ragay

Lupi

Sipocot

Pamplona

PasacaoMinalabac

Bula

BalatanBato

Nabua

Tinambac

Siruma

Lagonoy

GoaSan Jose

Tigaon

Sagnay

Ocampo

Baao

Buhi

Calabanga

Caramoan

Presentacion

Garchitorena

Bombon

Cabusao

Libmanan

San Fernando

MagaraoGainza

MilaorCamaligan

Canaman

In response to growing market demands, IIEE Foundation, Inc. provides energy performance and safety testing services on various lighting products in conformance with the Philippine National Stan-dards. The following is the list of lighting products that have been given the foundations’s passing marks in the fourth quarter of 2014.

IIEE Foundation Testing Lab releases list of lighting products compliant with Philippine standards.

TESTED AND PASSED

Zigma 13W T4 - 2U Safety Testing



Focus T4-4U-45W Safety Testing


Zigma Safety Testing

Zigma Safety Testing

Zigma 15W T2 - HFS Safety Testing



Zigma 12W T2 -HFS Safety Testing

Zigma 24W T2 -HFS Safety Testing

Zigma 20W T2 - HFS Safety Testing

8W T2 -HFS

8W T4 - 2U

ELECTRONIC BALLAST

BRAND MODEL TEST PERFORMED

GE ELB236E Energy Labeling

Panasonic HEX32HF122/24HK-1 FZ32198948

Energy Labeling

Panasonic HEX32HF222/24HK-1 FZ32298993

Energy Labeling

ELECTROMAGNETIC BALLAST


America AM-02V2 Energy Labeling

Focus Fo20 Energy Labeling

Bestell L20 Energy Labeling

America AM-40V2 Energy Labeling

Bestell L40 Energy Labeling

Focus Energy Labeling

Delta Energy Labeling

Universal S18/20W Energy Labeling

GE FPN 1123DA Energy Labeling

Eurolux 18/20W Energy Labeling

Delta 36/40W Energy Labeling

Universal S36/40W Energy Labeling

GE FPN 1343DA Energy Labeling

Eurolux 36/40W Energy Labeling

Delta 22W Energy Labeling

Delta 32W Energy Labeling

Fo40

18/20W

LINEAR FLUORESCENT LAMP (LFL)


Philips TL-5 Essential 14W /827 / 1SL / 40

Performance Testing


Performance Testing


Performance Testing


Performance Testing

Koten MZY14 – T5/D(MDFLT5CBA 14W)

Performance Testing

Koten MZY28 – T5/D(MDFLT5CBA 28W)

Performance Testing

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMP (CFL)


America Optima T4-2U-5W Performance Testing



Focus T4-2U-7W Performance Testing

Philips Tornado 5W E14 Performance Testing

Philips Tornado 8WE14 WW

Performance Testing

Philips Tornado 8WE14 DL

Performance Testing








Zigma 9W T3 - FS Safety Testing













NEWS

Del Gallego

Ragay

Lupi

Sipocot

Pamplona

PasacaoMinalabac

Bula

BalatanBato

Nabua

Tinambac

Siruma

Lagonoy

GoaSan Jose

Tigaon

Sagnay

Ocampo

Baao

Buhi

Calabanga

Caramoan

Presentacion

Garchitorena

Bombon

Cabusao

Libmanan

San Fernando

MagaraoGainza

MilaorCamaligan

Canaman

pearheaded by Bicol Regional Governor Aman Lanuza, the first IIEE Calamity Command Center will rise in Naga City, Camarines Sur. Its facilities will include a tower with satellite, radio, and 4G communica-tion. The facilities are meant to back up the government’s information efforts on disaster preparedness.

Power to be used for the generating equipment will come from multiple fuel sources, including solar power, Lanuza’s area of expertise.

Camarines Sur (3rd district) Representative Leni Robredo and Naga City Mayor John C. Bongat shall fund the IIEE Calamity Command Center.

Francis Soler assisted in facilitating the project. IIEE Vice President for External Affairs Florigo Varona led the scheme under the auspices of the IIEE Alpha Project.

CALAMITY COMMAND CENTER TO RISE IN BICOL

S2014 IIEE-WESTERN REGION CHAPTER-SAUDI ARABIA (WRC-SA) EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident: Engr. Sonny A. SerranVP-Internal Affairs: Engr. Rey R. VivoVP-External Affairs: Engr. Abdulwahab A. DisangcopanVP-Technical Affairs: Engr. Jhon Jhon G. QuilonSecretary: Engr. Dante M. ArejolaTreasurer: Engr. Melvin B. ManlinconAuditor: Engr. Eduardo C. De Villa

BOARD OF DIRECTORSEngr. Zenal P. DandamunEngr. Manuel A. Tacsay Jr.Engr. Wilfredo S. GrantosEngr. Julio A. Palomar Jr.Engr. Jose D. MaglatangEngr. Marvin G. AdraEngr. Hermenegildo V. Nodado Jr.Engr. Gilbert L. Perez

IMMEDIATE FORMER PRESIDENTEngr. Raymond D. Rivera

ERRATUM FOR THE ANC SOUVENIR PROGRAM

B Y G E L Y N O . L E E

An error in the list of officers was made on page 105 of the IIEE Annual National Convention souvenir program. The following is the correct list.


NEWS

IIEE.ORG.PH

ERRATUM

IIEE HOLDSTURNOVERCEREMONIES

IEE held its official turnover rites at the Meralco Lighthouse in Pasig City on December 13, 2014.

The occasion marked the passing of the mantle by the 2014 officers to the newly elected leaders of the organization. Outgoing president Engr. Alex C. Cabugao led the activity through the ceremonial turnover of the IIEE gong and gavel to Engr. Sheila C. Cabaraban (see top photo).

The occasion was also marked by Engr. Rodolfo N. Ferrer welcoming Cabugao to the Council of National Presidents. (GOL)

I

NEWS

In a letter that has reached the magazine, It was pointed out that the article (“Why the High Electricity Rates?” in the 3rd quarter issue 2014) is a consolidation of ideas from retired power engineers and lawyers of the National Power Corporation (NPC).


NEWS

CENERTECPHILIPPINES INC. AND IIEE FOUNDATION FORGE STRATEGICALLIANCE

enertec Philippines Inc., under a new memorandum of agreement with Insti-tute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) Foundation

signed on December 23, 2014, will provide employment opportunities for IIEE students and professionals.

Cenertec is also set to cooperate with IIEE Foun-dation on specific programs and participate in lectures and seminars held by the foundation. IIEE Foundation will be providing support for the de-velopment of embedded, modular power genera-tion system designed, manufactured, installed and operated by Cenertec in the Philippines.

The signatories of the memorandum of agreement are IIEE national president Engr. Alex C. Cabugao, Cenertec Philippines Inc. president, David Perin Wenger, IIEE Foundation chairperson of the board Engr. Rodolfo N. Ferrer, IIEE Foundation presi-dent Engr. Arthur A. Lopez, IIEE vice president for technical affairs, Engr. Florigo C. Varona and IIEE Foundation vice president and coordinator Engr. Antonio S. Herrera, Jr. (GOL)

C

IIEE Foundation and Cenertec Philippines sign a memorandum of agree-ment at RNF Associates, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

2ND WESTERN MINDANAO REGIONAL CONFERENCE HELD IN ZAMBOANGAIIEE Zambasulta Chapter held the 2nd Western Mindanao conference at the Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City, from October 16 to 18, 2014. The ribbon cutting ceremony was led by IIEE Western Mindanao governor, Engr. Alvin P. Miguel. (GOL)


NEWS

IIEE.ORG.PH

CENTRAL LAGUNA HOSTS SOUTHERN LUZON SPORTS AND LEADERSHIP RECREATIONThe IIEE Central Laguna Chapter hosted the Southern Luzon region sports and leadership recreation on December 6, 2014, at The Mills Club, Carmelray Industrial Park I, Canlubang, Calamba Laguna. The IIEE Central Laguna Chapter, through the leadership of Southern Luzon regional Governor Elmer Casao, held the turnover, awarding, team building, sports events and oath taking program.

IIEE LA UNIONINDUCTIONPROGRAMThe IIEE La Union Chapter held an induction program of the newly elected chapter officers at The Bay, Sea and Sky Hotel, Brgy. Pagdaraoan, City of San Fernando, La Union, on December 20, 2014.


NEWS

PLDT SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH IIEE

nstitute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) president, Engr. Alex C. Cabugao, with Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) vice president and head of HOME Marketing Support Raul S. Alvarez signed a memorandum of agreement on November 19, 2014, at IIEE National Office.

Under the agreement, PLDT will support IIEE’s 39th Annual National Convention while IIEE will promote PLDT’s products and services.

PLDT is the leading telecommunications provid-er in the Philippines. Through its three principal business groups—fixed lines, wireless, and infor-mation and communication technology—PLDT offers a diverse range of telecommunications ser-vices through its fiber optic backbone and fixed line, cellular, and satellite networks. (GOL)

I

IIEE-CRCSA RECEIVES BANAAG AWARD FROM MALACAÑANG

he Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. Central Region Chapter Saudi Arabia (IIEE-CRCSA) received the presti-gious Presidential Award at ceremonies held in Malacañang on December 5, 2014.

IIEE-CRCSA is an outstanding IIEE chapter, having been recognized for connecting and supporting the profession-al progress of migrant electrical engineers in Saudi Arabia.

President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Presidential Awards to 33 Filipinos abroad and foreign-based groups.

IIEE-CRCSA was given the award in the Banaag category. The Banaag is bestowed to an individual or association for contribu-tions resulting in benefits to a particular sector or region in the Philippines or of an overseas Filipino community.

“I congratulate the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Kaanib ng Bayan, Banaag, and Pamana ng Pilipino Awardees for their efforts to better the conditions of our kababayan here in the Philippines and abroad, and representing the Filipino talent and industry in their adoptive homelands,” the President said in a statement. (GOL)

TP H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F G A W A D P A N G U L OO N F A C E B O O K

17TH EXHIBITBOOTH COMPETITIONWINNERS

IEE and 3 EXPO 2014 gave out awards for best booths at the 17th Exhibit Booth Competition at IIEE’s 39th Annual National Convention held at SMX Mall of Asia, Pasig City on November 29, 2014.

FOR THE SMALL CATEGORYChampion : Plug Electric Manufacturing Corp. (PEMCOR)1st Runner-up : Yatai International Companies2nd Runner-up : Asiaphil Group of Companies

FOR THE BIG CATEGORYChampion : PPI Pazifik Power Inc.1st Runner-up : WESTCO Electrical andEquipment Corporation2nd Runner-up : Shihlin Electric Corporation(Philippine Representative Office)

I

(From left to right): Ms. Ana May Jovellanos (Head, Home Connectivity Management Support), Mr. Raul Alvarez (Vice President & Head, Home Marketing Support), Engr. Alex C. Cabugao (IIEE National President), and Mr. Ramon P. Ayaton (IIEE Executive Director)


OPINION

IIEE.ORG.PH

IIEE.ORG.PH VOLUME XLV 4th QUARTER 2014 13P H O T O B Y J O H A N S L U C E N A


“

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:1. Power interruptions will disrupt economic activities and

nullify the economic gains we have achieved so far.2. We have looming power brownouts next year—the

projected shortfall by the summer of 2015 is estimated at 900 megawatts for Luzon alone.

3. We have enough privately owned standby generating capacity to support the grid and overcome this project-ed shortfall.

4. The proposed solution of buying or leasing new generat-ing capacity to address this projected shortfall would be redundant, expensive and unwise use of scarce resourc-es.

OUR PROPOSED SOLUTION:1. Enroll owners of standby engine generators sets and

allow the owners to modify their systems to support the grid instead of disconnecting their normal service from the grid and operating in an island mode, as would be the case in the Interruptible Load Program. In this way, there will be no service interruption and the operational efficiency of the participating gensets will be optimized.

2. Compensate the owners of the grid-supporting standby gensets adequately to allow them to recover their true generating costs.

3. Distribute the additional generating cost to all custom-ers of the power company over a period of one year. This will increase their generation charge by an insignifi-cant amount, which is far cheaper than buying or leasing additional generating capacity.

4. Promote energy use efficiency, which is more cost effec-tive per kilowatt than adding new generating capacity.

IIEE SUPPORT:The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers, with over 30,000 members nationwide (half of them in the Meralco franchise area), can organize its members to help with tech-nical issues and make “no power interruption” a reality. Our proposal to employ standby gensets for Short Term Operat-ing Reserve (STOR) can be made a permanent feature of our electric power system as has been done in United Kingdom and other countries. This can be applied to all our grids in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

MISSION:NO POWER INTERRUPTION IN 2015

To prevent rotating brownouts in 2015, IIEE President Alex C. Cabugao and IIEE Council of National Presidents Chairperson Rodolfo N. Ferrer proposed in the name of IIEE the following

measures to the Senate Committee on Energy.

PETILLA’S PETITION

“Our country’s goal for the energy sector has always been clear: we want reliable power, preferably clean and reason-ably priced,” said President Benigno S. Aquino III at Energy Smart Philippines in Pasay City.

Aquino’s speech, delivered on September 30, 2014, also argued that the country will be facing a “potential 300 mega-watt shortfall of energy in 2014, which some project to be as large as 1,000 megawatts.”

The situation could cause a power crisis that could result in electricity bills going up and rotating brownouts to have to be implemented. One story on the Department of Energy website states that electricity rates could increase by as much as PHP 1 per kilowatt hour.

If the situation is not addressed, the burden will have to be borne by both consumers and the business sector.

Various explanations have been offered as to the causes, in-cluding the maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya natural gas facility scheduled from March 15 to April 14, 2015.

“I am uncomfortable with our supply for 2015. Our outlook is we have very thin reserve supply as against demand, so thin that we can go on red alert,” Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jericho Petilla said (Rappler, July 21, 2014).

Upon Petilla’s recommendation, Aquino on September 12 sent a letter asking Congress for emergency powers. Govern-ment could use emergency powers to contract new power capacities.

Some sectors have questioned the existence of a power shortage, using DOE’s own figures. The consumer group People Opposed to Unwarranted Electricity Rates warned that emergency powers granted to President Fidel V. Ramos had resulted in power rate hikes for ordinary Filipinos.

On the group’s website, former Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casiño said that “the proposed emergency or spe-cial powers bode ill for consumers who will most likely be burdened by unnecessary and unjust power rate hikes, and taxpayers whose money will most likely be spent on over-priced electrical appliances, equipment, and supplies.”

Others have said that emergency powers could be wielded to bypass laws that protect the environment and the labor sector from exploitation.

The House of Representatives approved on December 10, 2014, the DOE’s request for emergency powers for the Pres-ident (GMA News Online). The Senate has yet to act on the proposed measure as of this writing. (KLL)

The DOE has asked Congress for emergency powers to avert a power crisis


COVER FEATURE


here is much talk about the power situation. Two electrical engineers—Ernesto Cabral of MPower and Eugene Araullo of Meralco Pow-er Academy—express their thoughts on on the power situation.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflectthe opinions of the organizations they belong to.

THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: HOW DO WE DEFINE “POWER CRISIS”? DO WE REALLY HAVE A POWER CRISIS?

ENGR. ERNESTO M. CABRAL: Before we even talk of the power crisis, let’s define what “crisis” means and ask if this can be appropriately applied to the electric power industry. A crisis is where a complex system (family, economy, society) functions poorly for unknown reasons. In such a situation, an immediate decision is necessary to address the situation.Based on the definition, we can say that a power failure, power outage, or a power interruption (whether partial or system-wide) can constitute a crisis in the strict sense of the word.

But I know that this is not what we mean when we say “pow-er crisis” in the context of the Philippines.

What we describe as a power crisis is the prolonged short-age of power, or available supply capacity against demand that results in rotating brownouts, which adversely affects business, industry, and the way people live. Like what we experienced in the early 1990s.

With that understanding, do we really have a power crisis? I would say no, not yet.

We expect that there will be a shortfall of supply during the summer. But this is temporary and should last for only a very short duration based on what I have seen in some presenta-tions. This is primarily due to scheduled maintenance of the power plants during that period.

After that, supply will again be sufficient. And since, it is predetermined, power industry stakeholders are crafting measures to mitigate and address the expected supply short-fall in summer. The crisis may or may not come depending on the response of each of the power industry stakeholders.

ENGR. EUGENE ARAULLO: This is simply a demand—supply play. If we do not have enough supply at the end-consumer side, we have a crisis and this also pushes the price higher; on the other hand, more supply means no power crisis and better prices!

The supply gap may be the result of limited generating capacity, transmission constraint, market manipulation, fuel supply issues, system failure or equipment failure, among others.

A supply gap could also occur if the demand increases dramatically due to higher domestic consumption, higher economic activity, and high inefficiency.

In 2015, it is projected that our supply will not be adequate to meet the demand and hence we have a crisis.

This is no different from what happened during the term of Pres. Fidel Ramos.

The anticipated supply gap was already made known three years ago and, unfortunately, it had remained unaddressed.

“THE CRISIS MAY OR MAY NOT COME

DEPENDING ON THE RESPONSE OF EACH OF THE POWER INDUSTRY

STAKEHOLDERS.


“EE: WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE CAUSES OF THE POWER CRISIS?

CABRAL: Are we are talking about the shortfall of supply against demand? There is only one cause: There is not enough generating capacity to provide supply.

Maybe the next question to ask is: How come there is not enough generation capacity?

To answer this question, we have to understand how the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) works. Under EPIRA, government was not allowed to put up gener-ating plants or enter into power supply agreements. Those responsibilities were turned over to private investors.

And so the government-owned power plants and supply contracts were sold and privatized.

Investors are investors. So before they come in, they want financial stability, meaning continuous cash flows, because power plants are finance projects. And a stable regulatory environment. Even in sports, people don’t like changing the rules in the middle of the game.

There are already several power plants being built and being expanded. Some were delayed for various reasons. One was put on hold because of environmental issues.

It’s a complex situation. There are a number of factors that could lead to a power crisis. Restructuring the power industry is a complex matter.

I am not saying EPIRA is the cause of our troubles, but maybe

some or all of the power stakeholders are not playing their respective roles properly.

ARAULLO: We need to have a healthy supply balance of base load, intermediate and peak load plants in the last three years or more. We stopped the nuclear plant in the 1980s and we never had enough alternative base load plants constructed.

This was further aggravated by the aging plants whose effi-ciency went down.

Plans to construct new power plants were delayed. Some of the delays were caused by the failure to get approvals and clearances required by government.

Contracts and power supply agreements created during the term of Pres. Ramos were contested, renegotiated or invali-dated years later. That meant the business sector were taking on a large amount of risk and facing uncertainty.

To build these big base load power plants require massive capital investments. To finance such huge capital investment, it requires the participation of local, private, and foreign investors (unless the government has the funding to do it themselves).

Capital projects such as this requires reasonable return and a stable regulatory environment for years or at least two decades to attract investors to come in and stay.

No entrepreneur in his right mind would invest if the regula-tory environment is unstable, affected by politics and other local factors because it will take several years for investors to recover what they have spent.

“THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE HERE AND WE JUST HAVE

TO PERFORM OUR RESPECTIVE ROLES COMPETENTLY AND ACT COLLECTIVELY.


EE: WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO SOLVE THE CRISIS?

CABRAL: It’s every power stakeholder’s responsibility to solve or avoid the power crisis.

All the power stakeholders, end-to-end of the power supply chain, and government agencies are involved in the above-mentioned measure to mitigate the expected power supply shortfall.

ARAULLO: Power crisis requires a strategic solution and a strategic mindset from our leaders (devoid from individual or party interest). It requires strong collaboration and cooper-ation among various stakeholders such as the national and local government, private sectors, academe, consumer and the community.

We need to understand the real issue, no politicking, no knee-jerk reactions. We need to look at the long-term, taking into consideration the entire supply chain, the players and various stakeholders interests. It has to be holistic rather than parochial or siloed.

There will be pains from the start if we want to have a better future for our children and children of our children.

Each stakeholder (government, private, academe, consumer, etc.) must perform its role to the best of its ability in order for our country to have a better future.

EE: WHAT IS BEING DONE TO SOLVE THE CRISIS?

CABRAL: There are short-term and long-term solutions being done by the power industry. The short term is the ILP or Interruptible Load Program. In summary, it’s an orchestrated demand side management. I think the executive branch of the government and Department of Energy is requesting

Congress for emergency power to mitigate the expected shortfall. The long-term and permanent solution is the build-ing up of generating capacity, which is already in progress, and putting in place all the peripheries that will lead to it.

ARAULLO: Solutions such as demand side management through the ILP program and a host of emergency power plants are just temporary.

The long-term solution is to have a healthy balance of our power supply portfolio, which requires the participation of various private and foreign investors.

The Department of Energy has already laid out the plans and certainly the business sector would like to have a more stable regulatory environment and cooperation from various sectors and agencies.

With Asian integration, we need to have a sustainable supply portfolio of power to support economic growth (else we miss this opportunity again). Having enough supply of power will mean more business and more business will mean more em-ployment opportunities that will drive that inclusive growth.

EE: WHAT ELSE NEEDS TO BE DONE?

CABRAL: I think the cooperation of the all the power indus-try stakeholders is key in making sure we will not have a pow-er crisis. A continuous discussion and dialogue and to come into agreements with various stakeholders, understanding which are time bounded.

The solution to the power problem is not rocket science. It’s just a matter of coming to terms with one another.

ARAULLO: The opportunities are here and we just have to perform our respective roles competently and act collective-ly, efficiently, and in synergy towards making our country the next tiger or lion of Asia.

We should learn and remember our past lessons and look forward with idealism and vigor!

“SAMA-SAMA TAYO AT KAYA NATIN ITO!”

““IT’S EVERY POWER STAKEHOLDER’S

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE

POWER CRISIS.


“The research group also stressed that the ILP has already been implemented in Visayas and Mindanao without requir-ing presidential emergency powers. In fact, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla was already broaching the idea of using ILP in Luzon as early as January 2014. The idea then was to mit-igate the impact of price spikes in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. There was no mention of needing emergency powers for the President, Ibon noted.

Data as of November 2014 showed that at least 30 com-panies, including the country’s largest mall operators, have already signed up for the ILP. Their gensets have a combined capacity of 171.96 megawatts. The Department of Energy said that they target an additional 32 companies with a total capacity of 61.53 megawatts to also join the ILP. The Depart-ment of Energy estimates that the ILP will cost government around PHP 450 million. The amount is based on operation and maintenance costs pegged at a maximum of PHP 23,500 per genset monthly and fuel costs at 0.34 liters per kilo-watt-hour.

The group reiterated that instead of emergency powers, Congress should devote its time in crafting a law that will replace the flawed EPIRA.

IBON head earlier stated that policy makers must reconsider government’s energy development program, in particular EPIRA. The group pointed out that the privatization and deregulation of the power sector under EPIRA have stripped government of its duty to secure energy supply at a reason-able cost and protect public interest.

resident Benigno S. Aquino III wrote Congress on September 12, 2014, asking for emergency powers to address the looming power crisis.

In a release dated November 21, 2014, Ibon questioned the requirement for emergency powers to implement the Interruptible Load Program (ILP). It expressed concern that the real intention of granting emergency powers may be to promote the interests of big power

firms whose projects have been delayed or mothballed be-cause of regulatory and other issues.

Administration allies in Congress and energy officials are highlighting the ILP as government’s primary response to the supposed power shortage in Luzon in the summer of 2015. IBON noted that while ILP is gaining more prominence, tucked in House Joint Resolution (JR) 21 on the proposed emergency powers is the Presidential authority to fast-track the construction of new power plants. To do this, JR 21 wants to suspend various laws and regulatory requirements.

According to Ibon, one of the possible big business benefi-ciaries of emergency powers is the Aboitiz-Pangilinan group, which controls the planned 600-megawatt Subic coal-fired power plant. In 2012, the Supreme Court issued a Writ of Kalikasan against the coal plant while the Court of Appeals eventually invalidated its environmental compliance certifi-cate in 2013. Under JR 21, compliance to the ECC and other requirements shall be deferred until the completion of the power project. As such, emergency powers could be used to revive the Subic coal power plant despite the judiciary’s prior decisions, IBON warned.

In the following story, Ibon Foundation explains why it believes Congress should replace EPIRA, and why emergency powers for the President will

only benefit big business.

P


Don’t think electrical engineer, think engineer. Maski anong klase na engineer ipromote natin.

Our government is composed mostly of lawyers. The lawyer will delay your pays for 20 years. The engineer will get it done tomorrow.

Ito po ang sinabi ng isang Chinese leader sa akin, “why there are so many lawyers? In China we’ll kill all the lawyers.” Nine out of the 12 members of the highest moving body in China are engineers. That’s why they get things done.

Marami akong kaibigang lawyers baka isumbong ninyo sa kanila. But, this is what builds the country: the engineers. I proposed this 10 years ago: Make education free for en-gineering students; Everybody else pays. Kasi ang daming nagtetake-up ng mass communication. We’re not going to build a country that way.

Our country is built on engineering prowess. The Industri-al Revolution and everything that came afterwards were engineering miracles. Kaya kung may mga anak kayo, I hope five out of six will become engineers, and none will become lawyers.

THE INTERRUPTIBLE LOAD PROGRAM IS SUC-CEEDING IN CEBU

Right now I am chairman of the Committee on Energy and co-chair of the Joint Congressional Power Commission. Ito ang other side of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). The EPIRA is a very good law. Ginawa nitong com-petitive ang certain sectors of the power industry. Tatlong sector iyan, generation, transmission, distribution. We added

eron akong isang kaibigan. He is French and is married to my niece. Nagpatayo siya 25 years ago ng unang-unang off-shore processing. Computer based po ito. His company grew to employ about 200 computer programmers, encoders, etc. Pagkatapos, about 1995, sabi niya sa akin, “I have to expand and I am expand-ing in Bangalore.”

At tinanong ko sa kaniya, “Why are you expanding in Bangalore?” He said, “Because we don’t have enough engineers here. India’s producing 10 times more computer scientists than you are.”

That was when I realized we were running short of engineers.

I’ve always tried to encourage young Filipinos to take up engineering, to shift to computer engineering, electrical en-gineering, mechanical engineering, mining engineering, etc. Sa mga mina lang, meron akong kakilalang mga developers ng mines. They used to go to work in Atlas in Cebu, in Marin-duque mining. They’re either retired or have gone to work in mines in Australia, Indonesia, or Africa.

We don’t have enough engineers here to keep up with the opening of new mines.

Ako ay nangangarap na we have an organization as big and as successful as this one [Institute of Integrated Electrical En-gineers]. I want to congratulate you and we want to enhance competitiveness.

Ito ay kaunting suggestion lang. Think wider, think bigger.

M


Pero gusto nila mag-order ng 6 to 12 billion pesos worth of generation sets na alam naman ninyo 300 megawatts genera-tion charge will not make up for a 1000 megawatts shortage. Ngunit, we have a program called the interruptible load pro-gram, which we have already undertaken in Cebu and Davao. Hindi sila bumili ng generator sets na talagang napakamahal. Renting would also be expensive at 25 pesos per kilowatt hour.

I told the secretary of Energy that the interruptible load program is already being done in Cebu. Through the inter-ruptible load program, Cebu was able to gather 15 percent of the peak demand: they were able to gather 60 megawatts out of the Visayan Electric Company’s 400 megawatts total demand.

Sinasabi ng secretary, hindi, short. Ayaw nilang magcommit, sapagkat dito sa lungsod, wala pa kayong rules. At sasabihin ko sa mga participants, babayaran namin kayo. Alam mo, the worst credit is the government’s credit. And that’s what they’re waiting.

Last night, I finally got a call from the Energy Regulatory Commission. Ang sabi nila, sir, by next week, matatapos na iyong units namin. And I’ll draft the contract. Iyon ang hini-hintay ko. Pero hindi ako magrerekomenda sa aking commit-tee na magbigay ng extra powers sa President para bumili at maglist ng generator sets dahil napakamahal noon.

In 1992, Congress gave President Fidel V. Ramos emergency powers [through Electric Power Crisis Act] at nasarapan po sila. The administration ordered 6,000 megawatts of new plants that were overpriced.

Because of that, up to five years ago, we were paying for power we were not using. Hindi tayo papayag diyan. We have to protect the welfare of our people.

Our power rates are already one of the highest in Asia. Mala-ki iyong value added tax natin. We don’t subsidize.

Thailand, 10 billion US dollars a year (that’s 450 billion pesos), pero subsidized ang electrical consumption nila. Malaysia, 12

the fourth, for the engineers to be competitive. We call it the retail electricity supply. So kayo, puwede mag-wholesale contract sa isang generation.

Let us say, Pagbilao, 750 megawatts, Masinloc, 600 mega-watts. Puwede ninyo ibenta sa mga neighbors ninyo sa subdivision po ninyo so there will be more competition. This was the law that brought about the privatization of all gov-ernment generation plants.

Let the private sector continue to develop it and get a return on investment. Kaya hindi sana tayo magkaroon ng shortage in 2015.

Ngunit dalawa po ang pagkamali ng administrations ni Presi-dent Benigno Aquino III and President Gloria Arroyo. Una po, it takes five years to build a plant. So hindi pwede mag-antay until it is too late and you say you could have solved today’s problems five years ago.

Mababasa ninyo iyan. Sasabihin ninyo sa amin, sir, in 2018, we might have a shortfall. So we can act right away. Huwag tayong mag-antay hanggang 2018 pagkatapos mamamatay na iyong ilaw, wala na tayong magagawa.

So, what I was telling the government, in 2011, I had the temerity to inform the secretary of the Department of Energy at that time, “you better start projecting, we’re going to have a shortage in 2015.” Hindi naman siya nakinig.

In the end of 2012, we got a new secretary of Energy and I told him, “we’re going to have a shortage in 2015.” Ang sabi niya, “yes, ok.” In May this year, sumigaw na ako, sinabi ko na sa media “we’re going to have a shortage next year.” Now, we have a shortage.

Within a few years, we can solve with the existing resources already in place. Sabi ni Secretary Benedict, “wala tayong shortage, we have enough’. And I have the newspaper clip-pings kasi nagsasagutan na kami. July, sabi niya, emergency, may crisis tayo. Bigla-biglang wala tayong shortage. Jumping to a crisis. Hindi naman crisis iyan. We have a shortage and we can solve it.


68 degrees pero okay lang. This is where the electrical engineers can really play a role sapagkat, doon, the most effective campaign ay malaking stickers na pinapalagay sa lahat ng appliances na binebenta, tulad ng refrigerators at air conditioners. Alam ang energy consumption. So hindi lang presyo ang nakatatak doon pero pati energy consumption. Ngayon, kokopyahin natin iyon. Makikita ng shoppers kung may produkto na maaaring mas mahal ng kaunti pero mas tipid sa energy. We want the children to be conscious of this. We’re hoping you could take the lead, all the members, the electrical engineers of the institute.

Magiging conscious na kayo dapat with how to insulate a house you are building. Insulation brings down cooling costs, lalo na sa malalaking condominiums at mga bahay.

Ngayon, ang gagaw-in po ng committee niyo sa Senado ay magrerecommend ng mga extraordinary expenses na babayaran ng gobyerno. Pero hindi tayo papayag na maglilift sila ng napa-kamahal na generators for short term purpos-es. We will not allow your 6 billion or your 12 billion to be spent on useless things. And I hope that you will support us in the Sen-ate because ang dami nang nagbebenta ng generator sets ngayon, nakatanggap na sila ng 21 quotations from 21 companies. At hindi tayo papayag na bibili tayo ng mga over-priced na generators.

Life is a balance and we also have to bal-ance our energy needs. We need experts like you, not lawyers, who will be able to point this out in every town, in every municipalities

in this country. You are the outreach program for this kind of campaign.

Siguro mapapanood ninyo sa television how to save elec-tricity. Many of our brothers and sisters do not know these things. We can teach them and make them conscious of those things. And in so doing, we have the family, who’ll bring up the quality of life in this country. We lower expendi-tures, which brings up other needs na kailangan ng pamilya.

Those of you who went through all your hard arithmetic and engineering classes, I congratulate you. Now is the time for you to really push your country by bringing down electricity consumption, by bringing down fuel consumption, by making the air cleaner, and therefore by making life better for every-body in the country that we love.

billion dollars a year. Indonesia, 20 billion dollars a year. We got out, 13 years ago.

Now, Indonesia has been trying to get out of that problem, but it is politically unpopular. Nagkakagulo ngayon sa Indo-nesia sapagkat pinapatanggal ang subsidy. Ang mangyayari, tataas ang presyo ng diesel, tataas ang presyo ng electricity nila, at magkakaroon po ng social unrest. Which is natural. Naaawa ako sa bagong Indonesian president na si Joko-wi because he has to face that problem. Kasi sabi ng mga international financing institutions—World Bank, International Finance Corporation—We’re not funding you anymore until you get rid of your debts here. You’ve got to get rid of your subsidy.

Sa Singapore naman, gumaya sila sa amin. Singapore’s rates are higher than ours. Pero kaya naman nilang ba-yaran iyon. So they get about 17 to 21 pesos per kilowatt-hour.

We try to keep our rates as low as possible because naaawa kami sa mga maliliit na con-sumer: the households, the new businessmen.

A PHP 150 MIL-LION CAMPAIGN TO CONSERVE ELECTRICITY

Ngayon, dito kayo pa-pasok. The day before yesterday, naglagay ako ng extra 150 million peso budget to the Department of Energy for an infor-mation and education campaign for energy conservation and ener-gy efficiency.

To balance the budget, you either increase income or you reduce expenditures. We’re asking people now, maging conscious na kayo sa energy conservation. Maski sa mga tahanan ng mga kaibigan ko sinasabi ko, make sure your children turn off the lights when they leave the room.

I was in exile for 14 years kasi naka-eskapo ako sa bilangguan ni Marcos. Nandoon ako sa California. In 1979, nagkaroon ng oil crisis because of the Iran-Iraq War. Nagshort ang supply ng oil sa Amerika. Ang ganda ng public information cam-paign nila. You cannot go anywhere with just 10 dollars worth of gasoline.

Ang mga taga-California mahilig mag-long weekend. Sa opisina, sabi nila, not lower than 74 degrees in summer, so pinapawisan kami sa opisina. The winter, not higher than


orld leaders gathered in Lima last month for the 20th Conference of Parties (COP 20), designed to set the stage for strong climate change agreements in Paris this 2015.

The 2015 United Nations Climate Conference is slated from November 30 to December 11 this year. Among the expected outcomes are Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), which are countrywide climate change mitigation and adaptation commitments.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) believes that the Department of Energy (DOE) has a prime opportu-nity to generate an INDC by increasing the share of renew-able energy in the country’s power mix. About 70 percent of Philippine electricity is currently generated from fossil fuels, with 90 percent of coal and oil resources imported at varying prices from other nations. The DOE recently supported an increase in the installation targets for solar energy under the feed-in tariff regime.

WWF believes that with the increase in solar- and wind-en-ergy installation targets is a firm, next step that the DOE can commit to. Philippine Climate Change Commission Vice Chair Lucille Sering last month stated that the country is committed to submit an INDC by June—the first pledge by a developing country.

Clean and renewable sources of energy such as geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar energy are among the Philippines’ few competitive advantages, especially since the country has no significant deposits of fossil fuels. Its continued reliance on imported fuel has made Philippine electricity rates among the highest in Asia.

INCREASING RENEWABLE SUPPORTWILL LOWER ELECTRICITY PRICES

In 2001, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) was implemented to limit the cost of electricity. At that time, the Philippine power generation mix was composed of 37.29 percent renewable energy and 62.71 percent fossil fuels. Unfortunately, renewable energy share dropped to 28.37 percent a decade later.

The price of imported fuels fluctuates wildly. “Most of our power rate jumps were caused by generation cost hikes.

With fossil-fuel prices continually rising due to dwindling sup-plies and soaring demand, the cost of our electricity shall rise even further. The best solution is to use existing renewable energy resources to shield us from the cost volatility of fossil fuels,” says WWF-Philippines Climate Change head Atty. Gia Ibay.

In 2013, WWF’s global Seize Your Power campaign called on financial institutions, private investors, pension funds and governments to avoid fossil-fuel investments and, instead, support clean and affordable renewable energy sources.

Renewable energy can provide a stable source of electricity at a constant price for years, especially with the implemen-tation of the government’s feed-in tariff system. Under this system, renewable energy projects are guaranteed a rate for the electricity they produce per kWh that will be held constant for the next 20 years, with the Energy Regulatory Commission doing periodic reviews to adjust rates for for-eign exchange and inflation.

This means that the price of renewable-energy-generated electricity will continuously become cheaper over time. Many renewable energy plants can also be directly embedded onto certain key areas to further reduce the cost of electricity, eliminating the need for transmission and distribution lines to deliver electricity from power plants to households.

Unlike fossil fuels where value added tax is applied to add to existing cost, renewable energy has been given a 0 percent value added tax rate. In contrast, the International Energy Agency forecasts a steady increase in the cost of coal and other fossil fuels over the next decade.

In short, increasing renewable energy share will make electricity more affordable for Filipinos in the long run. WWF-Philippines aims to continue its Seize Your Power campaign by convincing both public and private sectors that renewable energy is the primary solution to the country’s power needs. Seize the Wind, which encourages stronger support for Philippine wind farms, is its first phase.

“What better way to demonstrate leadership before the Paris talks than to show that the Philippines embraces clean and renewable sources of energy?” asks Ibay. “It’s time for us to divest from fossil fuels and prepare for a windfall of clean and affordable power for all Filipinos.”

WWF CALLSON DOE TOSEIZE THE WINDTHIS 2015

W

Seize the Wind! WWF’s latest initiative encourages the Department of Energy to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power mix. Its first phase highlights windfall opportunities from wind farms. Shown are the famed Bangui windmills in Ilocos Norte, which simultaneously powers 40% of the province while drawing in thousands of tourists yearly. (Gregg Yan / WWF)

The WWF calls on financial institutions, private investors, pension funds and governments to avoid fossil-fuel investments and, instead, support clean and affordable renewable energy sources.B Y G R E G G Y A N / W O R L D W I L D L I F E F U N D


IIEE’S 39TH ANNUALNATIONAL CONVENTION

AND 3E XPO 2014

The convention was held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, from Novem-ber 26 to 29, 2014.

Senator Sergio Osmeña III delivered a speech expounding on the conference’s theme, “Continuously Enhancing Electrical Practitioners’ Competitiveness toward Global Excellence.” Simultaneous technical seminars meant to foster the country’s electrical engineers were held.

The following photographs capture the varied and gratifying activities from the 2014 convention.

More than 2,000 professionals came together for the 39th Annual National Convention and

3E XPO 2014 organized by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers.

B Y G E L Y N O . L E E P H O T O S B Y R A N D O L P H L A M Z O N A N D K E V I N A B E L L O N

Activity Area Book Launching Canvassing

Canvassing Closing Ceremony

Exhibit Exhibit Opening

Exhibit Opening Fellowship Night

Fellowship Night Forums General Membership Meeting

Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony

Registration Student Summit Technical Sessions


PROFILE

ENGINEER MARLI P. ACOSTA-DE FIESTAG E T T I N G T O K N O W

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?Public speaking, mountain climbing, trekking, watching Kore-an telenovelas. I used to compete in extemporaneous public speaking when I was in college.

WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS?Electrical systems design. Renewable energy. Hydraulics and fluid mechanics. Project planning, research and development. Philippine politics, governance, and bureaucracy.

WHY DID I WANT TO BECOME AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER?I only took up electrical engineering at my brother’s prod-ding. He was taking up mechanical engineering at the time and thought our courses complemented each other.

Later on, I learned to love my course. I grew to understand that electrical engineering plays a critical role in industries today. Now I realize that by becoming an electrical engineer, I can be a catalyst that can spur industrial growth in the country.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR IIEE?I can help IIEE fulfill its vision of becoming the best and most prestigious professional technical organization in the Philip-pines. I believe I can do that by becoming a stimulus that will

encourage all electrical engineering practitioners to be active members consistent with the tenets of Republic Act 7920, “an act providing for a more responsive regulation for the practice, licensing, and registration of electrical engineers and electricians.”

As a part of the IIEE family, I regard myself as a guardian andprotector of the rights of IIEE members. I will stand to protect the public against erring members, as electrical engineering is impressed with public interest because in the practice of electrical engineering, we are dealing with the safety of lives and properties. I can do this doing my work in accord with provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code and other relevant codes, laws, rules and regulations. So much is at stake.

IMPRESSIVE. WHAT HAS IIEE DONE FOR YOU?My involvement with IIEE has helped me a lot in developing my interpersonal skills.

Also, by attending IIEE’s continuing professional develop-ment activities, I was able to hone my skills and become a better practitioner. The organization has paved the way for my professional advancement.

Engineer Marli P. Acosta-de Fiesta is currently the officer of planning and design at the Zamboanga City Water District, Old Reservoir, Zamboanga City. Get to know her by reading her answers to the Electrical Engineer questionnaire.

“I REGARD MYSELF AS A GUARDIAN AND PROTECTOR OF THE RIGHTS OF IIEE MEMBERS.

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F E N G R . M A R L I P . A C O S T A - D E F I E S T A


CHECK-IN AT ARIANAHOTEL ALONG AIRPORT ROAD, MINAOG.

1They have reasonably priced but very com-fortable rooms. The hotel has a resort feel, to boot. Freshen up, leave your baggage, then go explore Dipolog!

ONAY MUSEUMThe Onay Museum houses the life and works of the first Armed Forces chief of staff from Mindanao: General Alexander Badong Yano. It is very admirable how a man from very humble beginnings could rise through life and be an officer and a gentleman. The place is full of medals and plaques of recognition and appreciation, uniforms, photos, news clippings, memora-bilia of a life well lived in the service of his fellowmen.

VISIT CASA BERNEDO (BERNEDO ANCESTRAL HOUSE)It was built at the turn of the 20th century by Justo Bernedo and wife Isabel Macias Bernedo. The casa was where they raised their nine children, and has served several VIPs and dignitaries. It’s now the Center for Arts and Culture of Dipolog City. Except for minor renovations, it has retained its original structure. It’s an interesting stop-over as various artifacts of the period are on display.

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DROP BY THEPAGSALABUK CIRCLEThe Pagsalabuk monument represents the tri-people of Mindanao: Christians, Muslims, and the Lumad (indigenous people). They raise a bowl as a symbol of unity in diversity and the Dipolognons’ aspiration for peace and prosperity.

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VISIT THE DIPOLOGPUBLIC MARKET FOR DRIED FISH.

5Marvel at the different shapes and sizes of dried fish, all of which are reasonably priced.

SHOP FOR THEDIPOLOGNON’S MOST POPULAR FOODDELICACY:SPANISH-STYLESARDINES AT MONTAÑO.

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They’re available in corn oil, olive oil, and tomato variants. They also have milkfish in oil, gourmet tuyo, and ginisang bagoong.

LIGHT A CANDLE AND SAY A PRAYER ATTHE HOLY ROSARYCATHEDRAL.

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DINE AT THERESTAURANT ROW ALONG SEASIDEDIPOLOG BOULEVARD AND ENJOY THE FIERY SUNSET.

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THEN IT’S BACK TOARIANA FORA NIGHTCAP AT ITS TABLEA CHOCOLATE CAFÉ.

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TRAVEL

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retails at USD 160. Invented by American naturopath Stanley Burroughs some 60 years ago, the Master Cleanse continues to be in demand. Originally, the concoction consisted of a cocktail of water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup. A few years back, the diet’s formulation went through some changes with the maple syrup being replaced by Madal Bal natural tree syrup which is a mixture of premium grade maple and palm syrup.

Another kind is the Raw Food Detox. The idea is to consume 75 percent uncooked food. It is said to help in preventing the loss of vitamins, minerals, and other good stuff such as enzymes when food are cooked. Advocates of this diet be-lieve that the best way to eat food is when it is raw and fresh. There is a transition period so the body isn’t forced into a drastic eating program. There are five phases with the first stage being the most strict (meaning almost all food ingested are raw).

If you’ve decided to go on detox with your diet, here are some things that might help you flush out the toxins more effectively:

• REPLACE at least one meal with a detoxifying fruit or vegetable smoothie. Be sure to use natural ingredients. Say no to chemically enhanced smoothies. This keeps your digestive system working efficiently. This also revs up your metabolism. Be sure to choose a veggie or fruit you like so that it does not come off like you are punish-ing yourself too much.

• ORGANIC it is. Avoid the dirty dozen (the 12 fruits and veggies laden with the most pesticides that includes apples, strawberries, grapes, potatoes, to name a few). A good rule in choosing organic would be: If you eat the peel, then better make it organic. Be sure to read labels as well.

eing able to eat what you want is a capability that we unfortunately cannot have. Your not-so-perfect eating habits have a way of get-ting back at you sooner or later. As you get older, you realize that sometimes what you eat makes you fat and being fat makes you unhealthy or sick. So what do mere mortals

do about it? Those who have the willpower go on a detox diet, clean up their acts and hope they become healthier versions of themselves.

How do you go about your detox diet? First of all, go see your doctor to check whether this is right for you. If your doctor gives you the go signal, then do these things next. Measure yourself. Or better yet have someone reliable mea-sure you. List down your current weight and other important numbers like the size of your waistline, thighs, arms and so on. Then, it’s time to condition yourself towards a new mindset wherein you ought to toss the bad and fill yourself with good.

THE MASTER CLEANSEAND THE RAW FOOD DETOX

There are countless variations of the detox diet. There is the 3-day diet. The 7-day. The 14-day. The 21-day. Gwyneth Paltrow has a version. Martha’s Vineyard also has another. There is even something called the Bikini Detox Diet as well as a Beauty Detox Solution. If you want to undertake this program, read through each of these options and choose one that you think you can do.

Here are two of the most popular ones. Lemon Detox Diet also known as Master Cleanse is one of the most sought-after diets because Beyoncé claimed she shed 10 kilograms on it. Mariah Carey is said to be another big fan. It is called a quick weight-loss remedy and a kit that’s good for 14 days and

THE DIYDETOX DIET

B

Those who believe in the concept of detox dieting say that they do it because they want to purge the body of its impurities and have internal organs that are as

good as new. Many people, however, do it simply to lose weight and gain health. Those who have successfully undergone some form of detox dieting swear that

the best detox diet programs are those that can give them relief from some of the most chronic health problems that plague them like migraine, type 2 diabetes, asthma and allergies, eczema, joint problems, digestive problems, autoimmune

diseases and even sexual dysfunction.

BY NINJ REYES-ABAY


FOOD

• DRINK. Drink. Drink. We’re talking of guzzling water, of course. Consuming eight to 12 glasses a day can easily and naturally aid in your detox dieting. It helps flush out our system. Make water your drink of choice whenever you feel you are thirsty.

• GO GREEN with your caffeine. Replace coffee with

green tea, which is an important antioxidant. • EAT MORE FIBER. Fiber, in its natural form, is an

excellent supplement. Enough serving of fibrous food aids in making the digestive tract work like a well-oiled machine. Excellent sources of fiber are fruits and vegeta-bles, beans, legumes and whole grain.

• FOREGO SOLIDS for a day or two. Natural juices can

replace your regular meals. Being without food for 24 to 48 hours is doable. This practice gives your body time to rest, recuperate, and rejuvenate.

• PUT in more super foods in your diet. These are fare

that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, tuna, avoca-do, walnuts, almonds, olive oil, and flax seeds are great sources of these acids. Fruits and veggies that come in rich colors and dark hues mean they contain oodles of antioxidants. Incorporate one of these food in your every meal.

• CUT OUT simple carbohydrates, white sugar, flour, and

fried food as much as you can if you cannot totally elimi-nate them from your diet.

WHAT NUTRITION EXPERTS SAY

Because going on a detox diet should not just be about the food that you eat, it is also about building a healthy lifestyle. Detox advocates encourage their fellow enthusiasts to also

get enough sleep—which means getting between 7 and 9 hours of shut-eye every night. Water is a major component in detoxing.

Being active is another integral part of the program. Exercise really helps the cleansing process. What’s more, it releases the best hormones. Have some form of physical activity even for 30 minutes a day only. Walking is the easiest way to move your body. And finally, take some multivitamins as a supple-ment to your dieting.

There are nutrition experts who are skeptical about some detox diets saying that these are nothing but starvation diets. Therefore these are unhealthy and dangerous because the body is not getting the necessary daily nutrients. Experts have said that if the diet is not sustained, the pounds you lose will soon pile back on when you start eating normally again.

Others claim that this is great to jump-start your weight loss program and lead you toward a healthier lifestyle. They as-sert that since it is a short-term program, the body isn’t really affected much.

Now that you have the rundown on what there is to know about going on a detox diet, another important thing to re-member to be able to live healthy and happy is to steer away from toxic people and toxic situations.

Disclaimer: This content of this article provides information that is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before beginning any sort of diet.

INCREASED ENERGY LEVEL.Your energy gets a boost when you cut down or rid your body of sugar, caffeine, trans fat, saturated fat. Added energy therefore makes you want to be more active and therefore live a healthier lifestyle.

CLEARER AND SMOOTHER SKIN.Your largest organ also greatly improves while you are on detox. Don’t fret though if you have a breakout on the first few days. Eventually your skin will clear up. This means that the toxins are being released from your body.

FAST WAY OF DROPPING OFF THE POUNDS.Drastically changing your eating habits will jumpstart your weight loss which to many is a good motivation to keep eating healthy and being nutritive.

PURGES BODY.It helps in purifying the body of excess waste so that the liver, kidney, and colon can function better. An important component in detox is cleansing the colon.

BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM.Enabling your organs to function the way that they should so you absorb nutrients better.

PROMOTES HEALTHY CHANGES.A short detox program enables you to kill cravings for food and drink that

are bad for you. Cleansing the body by replacing bad food with good ones train you to stick to healthier habits.

CLEARS UP BRAIN FOG(confusion, forgetfulness, lack of focus, lack of mental clarity). Even your mental faculties will be enhanced so that you begin to think clearly. After all, fat-filled and sugar-laden food cause a feeling of lethargy and this can affect the state of mind.

HEALTHIER TRESSES.Shinier, softer hair because it can now grow uninhibited by internal toxins. LIGHTER FEELING.Because bad food has a way of weighing you down, try to eliminate them all together from your diet and start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

ANTI-AGEING.Food filled with toxins add years to your body without you being aware of it. Sticking to a more natural and organic eating plan can dramatically shave years off your body (and wrinkles from your face) and give you a more youthful appearance.

IMPROVED SENSE OF WELL-BEINGLastly, you get an improved sense of well-being because when your body functions well, you start feeling great.

THE DIYDETOX DIET


WORLD WILDLIFE FUND statement, Interaksyon, July 6, 2014

“With the demand for energy growing,the Philippines should all the more strengthen its position in tapping and harnessing alternative sources of energy, such as renewable energy.”

REPRESENTATIVE NERI COLMENARESon emergency powers for President Aquino Interaksyon, December 10, 2014

REPRESENTATIVE REYNALDO V. UMALIco-chair of the Joint Congressional Power Commissionon the availability of powerunder the Interruptible Load Program

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGYSECRETARY CARLOS JERICHO PETILLAANC, September 22, 2014

“Why is there a need to suspend environmental laws? What [has this] got to do with the needed power reserves?”

SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DRILON, Rappler, December 19, 2013

“As of January 28, there are about 920 MW available.”

“I told them (Meralco), gather 400MW of ILP (Interruptible Load Program). Since December up to August, with all the pressure we’ve been giving Meralco, they were only able to sign up 115MW,”

“The EPIRA law is supposed to promote free competition in order that the consumers can benefit from a lower but efficient power generation system. The opposite apparently happened.”

Advancing industry, new technologies, complex processes—all are driving a growing demand for, and the cost of, electrical power. Business demands solutions that increase uptime and extend equipment life, while keeping personnel and equipment safe. At Eaton, we’re energized by the challenge of powering a world that demands more. With more than 100 years of experience in electrical power management, we have the expertise to see beyond today. From groundbreaking products to turnkey design and engineering services, critical industries around the globe count on Eaton.

Solutions to energize tomorrow’s world today.

Best-in-class LV circuit protection for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Electrical distribution solutions delivers safe and efficient power.

xEnergy modular switchboard allows maximum flexibility and safety.

Protect the environment, people and equipment.

Power quality solution that delivers the reliable power the system needs.

Extensive line of space saving and easy-to-install contactors for all application needs.

: +632 812 3045 : +632 812 3045 (7) : [email protected] : www.eaton.com

Eaton Philippines 29 F Ayala Life FGU Center Ayala Avenue, Makati City Philippines 1200

T F E W

For more information, contact us at:

Advancing industry, new technologies, complex processes—all are driving a growing demand for, and the cost of, electrical power. Business demands solutions that increase uptime and extend equipment life, while keeping personnel and equipment safe. At Eaton, we’re energized by the challenge of powering a world that demands more. With more than 100 years of experience in electrical power management, we have the expertise to see beyond today. From groundbreaking products to turnkey design and engineering services, critical industries around the globe count on Eaton.

Solutions to energize tomorrow’s world today.

Best-in-class LV circuit protection for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Electrical distribution solutions delivers safe and efficient power.

xEnergy modular switchboard allows maximum flexibility and safety.

Protect the environment, people and equipment.

Power quality solution that delivers the reliable power the system needs.

Extensive line of space saving and easy-to-install contactors for all application needs.

: +632 812 3045 : +632 812 3045 (7) : [email protected] : www.eaton.com

Eaton Philippines 29 F Ayala Life FGU Center Ayala Avenue, Makati City Philippines 1200

T F E W

For more information, contact us at:

IIEE - 2014 Q4 EE Magazine

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