Secretary Lotilla Commends Task Force Kapatid for Role in Power Restoration

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1 NEA is No. 3 on ENERCON Program Among GOCCs Nationwide For the second time in two consecutive years, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has been awarded as one of the top 5 Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), which exerted best efforts in observing austerity measures in energy conservation. Administrator Bueno with Deputy Cuenco receive the GEMP award from Secretary Lotilla while other Energy Officials applaud NEA s feat for the second time in two consecutive years. Secretary Lotilla Commends Task Force Kapatid for Role in Power Restoration With the advent of typhoons Milenyo and Reming in October and November respectively, the NEA and its partner Electric Cooperatives (ECs) mobilized the Task Force Kapatid to help in the power restoration of ECs distribution lines in the Bicol region, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque and Pampanga. A number of ECs volunteered to showcase their social responsibility especially towards their brother ECs. The display of solidariy among ECs enabled the speedy restoration of power service in the major cities and municipalities within the affected ECs coverage areas. Aside from the quick response to cushion the ill-effects of typhoons, the Task Force Kapatid was also mobilized for the upgrading of distribution lines in Lanao del Sur. Energy Secretary and concurrent NEA Board of Administrators Chairman Raphael P.M. Lotilla commended Presidential Adviser on Rural Electrification (PARE) Secretary Francisco G. Silva, NEA Administrator Edita S. Bueno and the Task Force volunteers and their respective ECs for living the spirit of bayanihan, a unique Filipino culture, and for fast tracking the restoration of power services to some 475,271 member-consumers of the affected distribution utilities. I express my sincerest appreciation to the men and women of NEA and to the hardworking members of the volunteer electric cooperatives who responded very quickly Administrator Edita S. Bueno and Enercon Officer, Deputy Administrator Mariano T. Cuenco, received from Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla the award, as among the best in Government Energy Management Program during the Energy Partnerships Day held at the Meralco Theater on 14 December 2006, in line with the celebration of the National Energy Week. NEA has always been an advocate of proper utilization of energy, be it electricity, water or oil in order to minimize its administrative expenses. Thus, it enhanced totally the President s Energy Conservation (EC) Way of Life. NEA has established and successfully implemented parallel programs that have effectively promoted the reduction of more than 10% of the power consumption of our agency, Administrator Bueno said. Parallel activities were conducted in each agency s respective offices in celebration of the National Energy Week page 3 to this emergency. They have proven that we can come together and pull through very quickly in times of disaster, Lotilla said. The typhoons damaged the local ECs distribution lines and left these provinces in a state of catastrophe. The mobilization of the Task Force was seen necessary to bring back vital infrastructures like electricity. Volunteer ECs came as far as Ilocos Norte from northern Luzon, and Iloilo from the Visayas. They sent their best engineers, linemen and crew to boost the restoration activities of their local counterparts. As experienced field personnel, they came page 2

2 Perf erformance-based Regula gulation - A Challenge e and Opportunity to Strengthen the ECs Chances in the Pow ower Industry DOE Secretary and concurrent NEA Chairman Raphael P.M. Lotilla and Energy Regulatory Commissioner (ERC) Rauf A.Tan led the opening ceremonies of the National Dissemination Workshop on Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) for ECs in the Philippines conducted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Manila last December 8, 2006, as part of the activities for the 2006 National Energy Week. The European Commission-ASEAN Energy Facility (EAEF) through the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) funded the project proposal submitted by the University of the Philippines-National Engineering Center (UP-NEC) and NEA for the Strengthening of Institutional Capacity in the Philippines to Prepare the Electric Cooperatives for the adaptation of Performance-Based Regulation. The grant contract took effect on February 24, This is in anticipation of the implementation of Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) by ERC for distribution utilities, in line with the ongoing restructuring of the Philippine Electric Power Industry. ECs operate on a non-profit basis that some of the characteristics of the ECs operation may come in conflict with the adaptation of the PBR. The responsibility of equipping the 119 ECs with the technical know-how for PBR falls on NEA s shoulders. Hence, this grant from the European Commission through the ASEAN Centre for Energy is very timely. NEA is very thankful to UP-NEC for all its efforts in behalf of the country s 119 ECs, said Administrator Edita S. Bueno. UPNEC and NEA have collaborated to implement and sustain activities in support of the existing and planned modernized structure of the Philippine electric power industry. Among this partnership s varied activities were the trainings and seminars conducted for NEA and ECs. Administrator Bueno (3rd from Left) witnessing the turnover of the PBR by UP College of Engineering Dean Guevarra (2nd from Left) to ERC Commissioner Tan (3rd from right). In photo L-R UP Diliman Chancellor Sergio Cao, DOE Secretary Lotilla and European Commission representative Pekka Skytta. NEA is mandated to enhance the competence of electric distribution utilities to respond to the demands of a deregulated environment. To this end, NEA closely monitors the performance of the 119 ECs and continuously provides them with financial, institutional, and technical (FIT) support. Secretary Lotilla commends TFK... from p.1 complete with equipment and materials like boom trucks, heavy and light vehicles and other line paraphernalia. They also had sufficient food provision, water, fuel and other necessities for the duration of their targeted timelines. About 60 NEA engineers and support personnel supervised and monitored the power restoration activities of the Task Force teams deployed in Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque and Pampanga. The teams worked over time on a 12-hour schedule, from 6AM to 6PM, notwithstanding the alternating heavy rains and scorching heat of the sun. Power service was made available to the memberconsumers within a few days of the restoration activities. Without the Task Forces, the local ECs would have spent at least six months or more to bring back power service in the major cities and municipalities within their coverage areas. The Task Force also ensured that power will be available in time for the Christmas holidays. On the other hand, Task Force Pagari, was deployed to aid Lanao Sur in upgrading its single phase distribution lines into three phase in the Islamic City of Marawi. Twelve (12) Mindanao ECs volunteered for this undertaking and were well received by the people of Lanao Sur. The Task Force Kapatid volunteers for 2006 numbered more than 400 personnel coming from 73 ECs.

3 MSEAC Organized to Raise Member-Consumer Awareness Level Acknowledging the role which member-consumers play in the success of the ECs operations, NEA has mandated the creation of the Multi-Sectoral Electrification Advisory Council (MSEAC) to address the provisions of Section 76 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) which emphasizes the protection of the rights and interest of member-consumers and their empowerment as active partners of the EC in its operation and decisionmaking processes. With the varied challenges that the EPIRA posed to the ECs, winning the ECs membership to their side is of paramount importance if the ECs want to survive competition. The MSEAC is mandated to be organized in every district/municipality, consisting of 10 sectoral representatives who shall serve as effective complements in the furtherance of institutional strengthening of our ECs. Existing Member- Consumer Electrification Committees (MCECs) or District Electrification Committees (DECs) shall be converted into MSEAC, said Administrator Edita S. Bueno in a memorandum sent to the 119 ECs nationwide. The sectors to be represented in the MSEAC are the following: Agro-Fishery; Barangay Council; Business; Civic; Education; Local Government; Media; Religious; Youth; and Women. These should be represented by their respective Presidents or Heads of Association or Groups. The MSEAC representative shall assist in conducting interactive gatherings with member-consumers to evoke positive action on various programs of the ECs. Hence, the MSEAC s role is to make the member-consumers more aware of their local EC s plans and programs. The member-consumers, as owners, should be well-informed of their respective EC s operations. Their decisions are necessary especially during their annual gatherings, thus, it is imperative that they become involved and that they actively participate in determining the direction which their EC will pursue. As an advisory body, the MSEAC will be working closely NEA... from p. 1 with the EC Board of Directors, the policy-making body of the cooperative, and the EC Management. It will feed the EC Board and Management with valuable inputs coming from the different sectors of the ECs coverage area, particularly on matters that affect the member-consumers most, like electric rates, and other programs which the EC may venture into for their benefit. The MSEAC representatives will make policy recommendation, campaign for improvement of collection, campaign for nonpilferage of electricity, foster membership information and education program, improve membership meetings attendance, campaign for energy conservation and safety measures, and other service-oriented activities which will be beneficial to the member-consumership in general and to the EC in particular. Member-consumers have to be constantly informed on government policies, market updates, EC programs and policies, institutional expectations, financial developments and technical requirements for them to have a wider understanding of the over-all operations of the ECs and how each one of them contributes to the program, added Administrator Bueno. The Institutional Development Department (IDD) through its Consumer Development and Protection Division (CDPD), and interacting with the EC Member Services Division (MSD) will be monitoring the implementation of the MSEAC s programs. with daily themes for Safety, Social Responsibility, Fun, Fuel Efficiency, Students and Energy Awards. The Kodakan, Kapihan at Kumustahan sa DOE was also held for the Media. Highlighting the series of events were the donations to various charitable institutions, National Dissemination Workshop on Performance-Based Regulation for ECs in the Philippines, and the Energy Awards and Chorale Festival. Secretary Silva receives his award from DOE Secretary Lotilla during the National Energy Week celebration at the Meralco theater and witnessed by Administrator Bueno. Among NEA s distinctive practices on energy management are its Climb the NEA Mountain whereby employees walk up to the fourth floor and the regular Enercon Baron announcement on the daily status of power, water and gasoline consumption through the public address system. On the same occasion, Secretary Francisco G. Silva and the men and women of NEA and the electric cooperatives were cited for their pioneering efforts in institutionalizing the Task Force Kapatid Program which to date has helped timely restoration of power during calamities, rehabilitate dilapidated systems and energize far-flung municipalities, barangays and sitios. Secretary Silva and the NEA-EC Task Force Kapatid received special awards for their selfless commitment and wholehearted participation in the successful completion of Task Force Kapatid operations, which brought renewed hope to the people in typhoon-affected areas. Meanwhile, the affair also featured different choral groups, including NEA s Lights and Sounds in their rendition of a Christmas carol and a medley. The finale was capped by all the choral groups, together with the heads of each agency, singing the theme song, The Power to Dream to symbolize the unity and solid conviction of the Energy Family to uphold its vision and mission. The Energy Week programs forged stronger ties among members of the Energy Family.

4 Task Force Kapatid Relives Bayanihan Spirit The Task Force Kapatid, a brainchild of former NEA Administrator, now PARE Secretary Francisco G. Silva, which aims to strengthen the solidarity of the 119 ECs, is a volunteer service whereby ECs group together and mobilize their personnel and logistics to assist other ECs needing immediate rehabilitation of distribution lines in times of calamities and disasters in order to speedily restore power service to the memberconsumers. However, it is not only intended for the ECs power restoration after typhoon devastations, but is created as well for ECs to help other ECs in the construction of additional lines in order to meet the total electrification mandate. Truly, the volunteerism displayed by the ECs to readily send their best engineers, linemen and crew on a short notice from the NEA during every Task Force Kapatid deployment reflects the Filipino culture of Bayanihan that distinguishes the Filipinos innate nature to extend help to others in times of need. Volunteer ECs, other than sending their best people, also send their equipment like boomtrucks and light vehicles to assist in the power restoration activities and, in some instance, lend their available line materials too. The volunteer EC linemen and crew go to site in full battle gear, equipped with provisions of food, water, fuel for their vehicles, and other necessities good for ten days or more to ensure the swift and coordinated performance of their assigned tasks. NEA engineers are assigned to monitor and supervise the Task Force activities from day one until the completion of the target in power restoration activities. Also, they lead the assessment of damage and/or work to be done by the Task Force teams. For the year 2006, five Task Forces were deployed, three of them to respond to the adverse effects of typhoons Caloy, Milenyo and Reming to Pampanga, Oriental Mindoro, Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur and Marinduque. The other two were for the extension of power lines to sitios in Pio Duran, and the upgrading of single phase distribution lines into three phase lines in Marawi City known as Task Force Pagari (which stands for kapatid in the dialect of Lanao Sur). The power restoration activities have successfully met the target completion dates. NEA Administrator Bueno continued the best practice of her predecessor, Secretary Silva, and endeavors to institutionalize the Task Force Kapatid for the benefit of the ECs and their member-consumers whose businesses or livelihood are affected during power interruptions after every typhoon. She acknowledges the vital role which electrification, Above: Extent of typhoon s damage to the Electric Cooperatives distribution lines. Below: Planning activities prior to the deployment of the Task Force Kapatid. as an infrastructure, plays in the socio-economic development of the rural areas so that NEA sees to it that power service is immediately restored and that ECs continue to electrify even the least viable areas to alleviate the plight of the rural folks. Volunteering to the Task Force Kapatid is not an easy ordeal even prior to the rehabilitation proper. The travel time alone in going to the point of convergence offers a lot of sacrifices. The volunteers coming from far north like Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valley, for example, traveled

5 Power restoration activities of the Task Forces. more than 24 hours by land, to reach Bicol. The contingent from Region VI ECs also traveled by land and took the Roll On, Roll Off (Roro) from Caticlan to Mindoro. They crossed Mindoro by land and took another Roro from Calapan City to Batangas City. They hit the road again from Batangas City to Naga City and to their respective assigned areas within Bicolandia. They were practically on the road for two days and upon arrival to their assigned areas, they immediately started their restoration activities. On the other hand, the Region VII ECs took the Superferry from Cebu City to Manila South Harbor and upon arrival, traveled by land going to Bicol with some of them taking a Roro to reach Marinduque, while the Region VIII ECs traveled by land up to Catarman in Northern Samar where they took the Roro going to Matnog in Sorsogon and continued their travel until they reached Albay. Indeed, just the traveling experience was already taxing, but the volunteers did not mind the discomfort because they have one thing in mind: to help their brother ECs. The Task Force Kapatid power restoration activities received the support of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Department of Energy Secretray Raphael Lotilla. Also, the House of Representatives through Congressman Joey Sarte Salceda, Chairman for Committee on Appropriations, and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Rolando Andaya supported the approval of calamity fund for the rehabilitation of the typhoon affected areas. The volunteers for Reming alone totaled 400 personnel both from NEA and the 58 ECs that participated. This is without counting their counterparts from the local ECs. The cooperation showed by the Task Force volunteers, rendering 12 hours a day work, from 6AM to 6PM taking advantage of the daylight, made electricity supply available just in time for the Christmas holidays. The volunteers worked despite heavy rains and the scorching heat of the sun. Rain or shine, they were up there on the poles fixing the primary backbone lines of the local ECs. They braved all odds and successfully demonstrated their solidarity and teamwork in getting things done. Once again, Task Force Kapatid proved that there is no task that is too big and hard to accomplish when all those involved will coordinate all efforts and work as one. The Bayanihan still lives on, in the hearts of these heroes and all other implementors of the Rural Electrification Program. Switch-on and reenergization after lines were restored. NEECO II-A2 NOCECO NORECO I NORECO II NORSAMELCO NUVELCO ORMECO 73 Volunteer ECs to the 5 Task Forces ABRECO AKELCO ANTECO BANELCO BATELEC I BATELEC II BENECO BILECO BOHECO I BOHECO II BUSECO CAGELCO I CAGELCO II CANORECO CAPELCO CASURECO II CASURECO III CEBECO I CEBECO II CEBECO III CELCO CENECO CENPELCO COTELCO PELCO I PELCO II PENELCO PRESCO PROSIELCO QUEZELCO II SAMELCO I SAMELCO II SOCOTECO 1 DANECO DORELCO ESAMELCO FIBECO FICELCO FLECO GUIMELCO ILECO I ILECO II ILECO III INEC ISECO ISELCO I ISELCO II LANECO LEYECO II LEYECO III LEYECO IV LEYECO V MOELCI 1 MOELCI 2 MORESCO 1 NEECO I NEECO II-A1 SOLECO SORECO I SORECO II TARELCO I TARELCO II VRESCO ZAMSURECO 1 ZAMSURECO 2 ZANECO

6 NEA Administrator Participates in World Forum on Energy Regulation The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) invited NEA Administrator Edita S. Bueno to the World Forum on Energy Regulation III, a gathering of energy regulators, government officials, policy makers and experts, energy industry executives, investors, academia, consumer associations, environmental groups, development agencies, and other energy experts from around the world in Washington, DC (USA) last October 9-11, More than 600 participants from 85 countries attended the Forum which provided a unique opportunity for energy officials worldwide to share experiences and seek sustainable solutions to energy challenges ranging from access and affordability to complex competitive market design. The Forum s three main agenda focused on Investment in Energy Infrastructure, Regional Energy Markets, and Energy Access and Affordability. Together with Administrator Bueno, the Philippines was also represented by Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairman Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr. and Commissioner Alejandro Z. Barin. With the implementation of the EPIRA, the Philippines electricity industry continuously keeps abreast with the fast-paced growth and development of energy milestones countrywide and within the international scene. The Administrator recently echoed the significance and possible Second Round of Goodwill Visits Enhance NEA-EC Partnership Inspired by the results of the successful goodwill visits last year, Administrator Edita S. Bueno and select officials and employees, conducted a series of visits to various electric cooperatives (ECs) namely, LUELCO, BENECO, CENPELCO, PELCO I, PRESCO and BATELEC II during the last quarter of These visits manifested NEA s genuine concern and support for the ECs in enhancing as well as sustaining their good performance and improving on their weak points/areas. In her messages, Administrator Bueno emphasized that NEA will always support the ECs in pursuing their respective mission and goals. Likewise, during the visits, she interviewed the linemen who participated in the Task Force Kapatid operations in typhoon-ravaged areas. She discussed how these linemen bravely faced the hazards and dangers, and how the affected populace regarded them for their heroism. With the linemen s good performance, Administrator Bueno surprised the ECs with her approval of their pending requests for additional performance incentives. On the long-term extent, she directed NEA s concerned departments to study the pay scale of linemen to compensate for their hardwork and responsibility. Welcome programs prepared by each EC visited reflected the unity evolving within the EC management and staff. EC employees shared their musical talents in their special numbers as a symbol of their support to NEA. On the other hand, NEA officials performed together with the Lights and Sounds, considered as the NEA s Ambassador of Goodwill. Philippine delegation to the World Forum: Administrator Bueno (first from right) with ERC Chairman Albano (2nd left seated), other Officials of ERC, MERALCO, First Gen and the Energy Beat Reporters. adaptation of the forum s recommendations to the Philippine Electric Cooperatives Board of Directors and General Managers. The insights gained are expected to cascade to member-consumers, who eventually will be the ones affected in any government decision on energy matters. PARE Secretary Francisco G. Silva and Administrator Bueno as they exercise their supervisory functions through goodwill visits to ECs with other NEA officials.

7 NEA Co-hosts Opening Ceremony of the National Statistics Month (NSM) The NEA co-hosted the Opening Ceremonies of the 17 th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration with the members of the Energy Family (DOE, NPC, TransCo, PSALM and PNOC) held at the Tanghalang Carlos P. Romulo of the RCBC Plaza, Makati City last October 2, The theme of the celebration was Empowering Consumers through Responsive Energy Statistics. The Event is pursuant to Proclamation Order No. 647, declaring the month of October of every year as National Statistics Month issued on September 20, 1990 aimed at promoting, enhancing, and instilling nationwide awareness and appreciation of the The NEA Lights and Sounds projects passion in their repertoire as audience were re-energized, during the National Statistics Month (NSM) Celebration at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City. importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of society, and eliciting the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country. The Program was highlighted by DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla s keynote address emphasizing the importance of energy statistics in the country s development. During the event, Secretary Lotilla and other officials of the Energy Family including NEA Administrator Edita S. Bueno, launched the Consumer e-desk. Likewise, the audience was awed to the oratory of Ms. Christine Joy M. Lugo, First Prize winner in the BSP-DepEd National Oratorical Contest. The different energy chorales rendered songs which sustained the attention of the audience. The logo of the celebration came from the entry of NEA s Public Affairs artist-illustrator, Brian O. Alegre who won the Poster Making Contest held in celebration of this Event. Training Programs Held to Capacitate NEA & EC Employees NEA continuously capacitates its manpower, as well as that of the electric cooperatives, to better respond to the requirements of the reformed power industry. During the 4th Quarter of 2006, a total of 25 trainings/seminars, scholarships (international and local), Gender Advocacy and Development (GAD) programs and other interventions were conducted benefitting 1,357 participants. These seminars/training activities are as follows: 1. 28th Annual Convention of Government Association of CPAs (GACPA) 2. Annual Procurement Plan (3 schools) 3. 31st Annual Convention of Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers 4. CESB s Diwa ng Paglilingkod 5. PLAI General Assembly 6. Corporate Governance Improvement: From Principles to Actual Boardroom Practice 7. Seminar on Innovations in Financing Sustainable Energy Projects in Southeast Asia 8. Mini-CMC 1 9. Seminar on Policy Formulation and Parliamentary Procedure Investment Planning for ECs (2 schools) 11. Health Awareness Program 12. Drug Abuse Prevention 13. Team-building Showcasing Solidarity 14. Seminar-Workshop on the Preparation for the Application of CAP on Recoverable Rates (2 schools) 15. Orientation on the Preparation of the Annual Procurement Plan 16. Round Table Discussion (EC Conversion) Pre-Planning Conference 18. Workshop on 2007 Cluster on ICPM st National Conference on Public Personnel Administration 20. Seminar on Managing ICT Service in Government 21. National Convention of Govenment Employees 22. Energy Investment Forum 23. Charting Government Along the Philippine Quality Circle Performance Excellence Framework 24. World Forum on Energy Regulation 25. Seoul International Electric Fair 2006 (SIAF)

8 Compassion and Generosity Mark NEA s Yuletide Celebration With the recent devastation of typhoon Reming in the Bicol Region, Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro, the NEA Management and Employees decided to forego their usual fellowship night and celebrated their Christmas Program last December 20, 2006 with sobriety in the spirit of solidarity with the rural folks who were greatly affected by the typhoon s onslaught. Led by Administrator Bueno, NEA employees lived the season s spirit of sharing when they contributed relief goods such as clothings and grocery items for the typhoon-stricken families through the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Legaspi, Albay and to the other affected ECs. Reliving like the Good Samaritans and their core values on generosity, NEA and electric cooperative employees initiated the giving of basic commodities. Some of these goods were delivered to Albay during the power restoration activities conducted by the Task Force Kapatid volunteers from December 6-21, And considering that many of their colleagues were part of the Task Force Kapatid deployment in the affected ECs, NEA employees agreed to make their Christmas bonding plain and simple. Instead, they contributed to provide medicines, groceries, rice and clothings for the benefit of the people of Albay. Charity begins at home, as the saying goes, so that the customary gift-giving of bags of groceries to the indigent families of the NEA KapitBahay still pushed through even if the focus during the holidays were the typhoon victims. The neighbors received bags of groceries from NEA employees on December 7, The funds for this gift-giving came from the employees purses voluntarily given according to each employee s capacity. Some of these assistance were also obtained through the Light a Christmas Tree fund raising campaign which the employees themselves have initiated as spearheaded by the Samahan ng mga Kawaning maka-reporma ng NEA (SAMAKAREN), the NEA employees union as part of the Agency s continuing Outreach Program and Corporate Citizenship. The indigent families receive their bags of groceries from NEA officials, led by the Administrator and the Directors. BOA A Issues 35 Resolutions to Respond to ECs Viability Dedicated to its mission as the policy-making body of the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the NEA Board of Administrators (BOA) passed thirty-five resolutions for the fourth quarter of Aside from the 35 resolutions that gained the BOA s nod, there were also Instructions and Notations for the various offices of NEA regarding some issues that affect the agency and that of the ECs operation. Since the 4th quarter has seen a lot of typhoon devastations and the deployment of various Task Forces, the BOA saw to it that the affected ECs will benefit much from the calamity loans that they will file to NEA with the approval of a 2% service fee on grants to the calamity-stricken ECs and which is lower when compared with other lending institutions. This is other than the usual lending that the NEA caters to its clientele ECs. Establishing new lending windows is one way for NEA to comply with its mandate under Section 58 of the EPIRA, where the strengthening of the technical capability and financial viability of the ECs has been rested on NEA. EDITORIAL BOARD EDITA S. BUENO Executive Editor DIANA M. SAN LUIS MILAGROS E. QUINAJON Editorial Consultants JUDITH T. ALFEREZ Managing Editor NEA celebrated the Christmas Season with the following activities: (clockwise) Lighting the Advent Wreath, Lighting of the Christmas Tree, Bazaar, Christmas Program and Climb the NEA Mountain Contest (NEA counterpart activity during the Energy Week celebration) JONA E. ANDAL ROSARITA E. SALVADOR ANTONIO G. NARTEA Staff Writers BRIAN O. ALEGRE RODOLFO B. ROQUE Artists ERNESTO T. DE VERA HILARIO A. DE CASTRO Photographers ANDRES E. RATIO ALLAN JEFFREY B. DE GUZMAN NORALYN P. SANTOS Administrative Staff