Bannered by the theme “Achieving Excellence Amidst Global Challenges”, the North Cebu Chapter of the INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATED ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC., successfully hosted the 10th VISAYAS (REGION VII) CONFERENCE held on August 27-29, 2009 at the large and classy Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) of Mandaue City, Philippines.
The three-day event covered Technical Sessions, Product Presentations & Exhibitions as well as Sports & Competency Olympics. A total of some 520 attendees, amongst them are delegations from the ten chapters of Region 7, a significant number from Region 6 & Northern Mindanao, as well as graduating EE students, guests, suppliers, manufacturers’ representatives, benefactors, sponsors and product exhibitors. As one of the dynamic features of the conference, Exhibit Booths & Product Presentations showcasing latest technologies, new quality products, high-end tools & equipment in the electrical industry were given colors by some forty (40) notable companies from all over the country.
The Conference kicked off on August 22, 2009 at SMC Reception Center, a Saturday before the main event, where Competency-Based Olympics for graduating students and electrical practitioners alike vied for honors and cash prizes. A Golf Tournament featuring IIEE’s top golfers and four (4) pre-conference Technical Sessions followed on August 27.
In the morning of August 28, the main event formally opened with a ‘CABLE CUTTING CEREMONY’ by the Guest of Honor assisted by Engr. Noel T. Fernandez, Region 7 Governor and Engr. Arthur N. Escalante, National President, together with the 2009 IIEE Board of Governors. Following the Cable Cutting Rites saw the 'OPENING SALVO' – a digital presentation & interpretation of the association’s theme for 2009.
Gracing the Opening Ceremonies was the Guest of Honor & Keynote Speaker, Mr. JESUS 'JESS' N. ALCORDO, President of Cebu Energy Development Corporation. In his keynote speech, he cited the levels in the quest for global excellence where the role of the Institute as the excellent catalyst for change can only be found in an organization that is cohesive, active and intact. He emphasized that advancements in technology will lead to the promotion of the renewable energy in the country. “I believe Renewable Energy is the energy of the future and we should all work together to make it work for us. For the Philippines, this means building a robust industrial economy as pre-requisite so that it can meet the challenges of future impacts of climate change”. Citing statistics in Green House Gas emissions, he lamented “the politicization of science the result of which could further strain the country’s fragile economy in a costly exercise that contributes nothing for the desired end, Renewable Energy”.
The conference underscored several technical assemblies in the end-objective of strengthening the roles of the Filipino electrical engineers amidst recent global challenges.
The three-day conference undertook the various fields of: ‘MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT’, ‘PROTECTION SYSTEMS FOR LARGE SUBSTATIONS’, ‘FAULTS IN SUBSTATIONS’, ‘RELIABILITY IN INDUSTRIAL POWER SYSTEMS’, ‘CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION’, ‘APPLICATION OF INSULATION COORDINATION IN SUBSTATIONS’, ‘HARNESSING GEOTHERMAL POWER IN THE PHILIPPINES’, ‘ELECTRICAL DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS’, ‘APPLICATION OF CURRENT LIMITERS IN SYSTEMS WITH HIGH FAULT CURRENTS’, ‘ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS & TECHNIQUES’, ‘OPEN ACCESS ENERGY TRADING’, ‘BLACK-OUT 101’, ‘RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR THE FUTURE’, ‘EFFICIENT LIGHTING DESIGN CONCEPTS’, ‘CONDITION-BASED POWER TRANSFORMER MAINTENANCE’, ‘NUCLEAR ENERGY FOR POWER GENERATION’, and ‘HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER’. The technical papers were delivered simultaneously in the Plenary Hall as well as in separate function rooms.
The powerhouse of Speakers & Resource Persons in the Conference were notable electrical engineers of the IIEE as follows: Engrs. Roddy Penalosa, Art Evangelista, Jaime Mendoza, Francis Mapile, Ellsworth Lucero, Edward Mendoza, Art Lopez, Mel Fonollera, Willie Canizares, Pol Leoncio, Noel Fernandez, Doods Amora, Ely Silvosa, Jules Alcantara and Mandy Diaz.
Different product presentations were held by different companies such as Yokogawa (Philippines), Inc., P.T. Cerna Corporation, American Wire & Cables, PLDT Small & Medium Enterprise Group, RS Components, Philips Electronics & Lighting, IHI Turbo International, OMRON (Asia Pacific), Visayan Electric company, Inc., Phelps Dodge (Phils), and Philflex Wires & Cables Co.
For the first time in many years, the conference highlighted the attendance of graduating EE students from different colleges & universities of Cebu. Subjects of interest in their own technical sessions were the following: SUBSTATIONS & DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS IN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES by Engr. Al Mahatani Lebumfacil, MOTOR POWER CIRCUITS by Engr. Ernie Abunda Jr., GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS IN THE VISAYAS by Engr. Mike Abrasaldo, GEOTHERMAL POWER DISPATCHING & MARSHALLING by Engr. Simeon Go, Jr., NON-DESTRUCTIVE MAINTENANCE TESTINGS by Engr. Roland Alcos and ELECTRICAL CODES & STANDARDS by Engr. Ely Silvosa. Such efforts by the organizers in reaching out the future electrical engineers were lauded as very much aligned with the IIEE National President’s agenda on enhancing the students’ competence and finally bridging the gap between the academe and the industry. The kick-off activities of the conference saw the students participating in the Competency Olympics with high spirits.
The evening of August 28 saw the Fellowship & Camaraderie Night at the plushy ambiance of CITY SPORTS CENTRE CEBU (CSCC) at the world-class Ayala Business Park. Featuring the renowned Cebu lechons and beer constantly flowing as punctuated by Live Wyre Band in the backdrop, the night was deemed short and even wanting for more.
As Guest Speaker for the Closing Ceremonies, Engr. Roddy N. Peñalosa, Chairman of the Board of Electrical Engineering cited the acceptance of the country’s educational system into the mainstream of international standards. He encouraged everyone to continue learning and be equipped with professional competence at any given time, all the time. He congratulated the host North Cebu Chapter, headed by its dedicated Chapter President, Engr. Willie Canizares and the Chapter officers for the successful & wonderful Regional Conference that is worthwhile for everyone to remember.
Engr. Noel T. Fernandez capped the three-day event with his short message, extending his warmest appreciation to all the guests, delegates, and people who work hard for the success of the event.
Just as the event started up with a Doxology & Opening Prayer, the Conference likewise ended properly with a spirited Closing Prayer.
At the end of the day, let us congratulate IIEE Region 7 Governor and the Host North Cebu Chapter for a Regional Conference that is truly an affair to remember!
