The unsung heroes of AboitizPower who are on duty to keep the lights on this Christmas season
Kevin Roi Canubas, 29 and a first-time father, will miss his daughter’s first Christmas so the festive lights can continue to shine in homes.
Kevin’s Noche Buena would be at the Cayanga-Bugallon solar power plant in Pangasinan this year, where he works as a grid operator for Hedcor, AboitizPower’s renewable energy asset manager, together with his team and away from his family.
“As a new father, I sometimes miss important moments with my daughter, especially when she is celebrating her first Christmas. It’s never easy, but it’s all part of the responsibility I’ve embraced in this industry,” said Kevin.
“We treat every day – whether it is a public holiday or not – as just another Monday, because in the energy sector there is always a demand for energy, regardless of the season. These holidays are no exception,” he explains.
As grid operator, Kevin oversees the operation and maintenance of the 94 megawatt peak solar power plant, ensuring it continues to supply clean and efficient power to the grid.
“I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering because of my deep interest in innovation and technology. My passion for sustainable energy stems from the desire to have a meaningful impact on the environment,” says Kevin. “Being able to fulfill that passion as a Network Operator is an enormous source of satisfaction for me.”
“We recognize the importance of seamless operation of our assets, even during the holiday season. Should any disruption occur, our team will be on standby, ready to respond and resolve it immediately,” he said.
Despite working at AboitizPower for five years, Kevin still finds new meaning in his work, which took on a new lens thanks to the arrival of his firstborn.
“It gives me immense joy to know that I am contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future – not just for my daughter, but for generations to come,” he added.
“Christmas is one of the most beautiful celebrations – both literally and figuratively – and we at AboitizPower want to ensure the brightness shines by providing clean, reliable and sustainable energy to enhance the joy and memories of this season.”
Duty calls
Cheryl Leine G. Asuero, 43, is an electrical engineer who works at distribution company Davao Light, a three-hour drive from her family in General Santos City.
Every two weeks she spends precious time with her daughter when one of them visits the other, or vice versa. Most days they can only communicate via video calls, as Cheryl serves in an on-call role as a Senior Systems Operation Engineer.
“As Systems Operation Engineer, we monitor and control the entire system under the Davao Light franchise and ensure continuous power supply,” she explained. “We operate and monitor all our 138 kV lines, 69 kV lines, substations and feeder lines 24/7, regardless of occasions, events and holidays. All Systems Operation Engineers are on call and respond in the event of a major disruption.”
“If that happens, we will manage the system and restore power in the shortest time possible,” she added. “We also perform load transfers and manage line reconfigurations when necessary.”
Despite being away from her family and the uncertainties in her schedule this season, the holiday spirit of joy and celebration is not lost on Cheryl.
“Our role is very important, especially during the holidays. “We are ensuring that the entire franchise area will be lit up and customers can fully enjoy the Christmas spirit while making the most of their time with their loved ones,” she said.
“My family is my contentment and my safe place. My work gives me that feeling of satisfaction that pushes me to be more involved and do everything I can in my field.”
Holiday wishes
Vincent Alden Cruz, 37, always has his wife and two children on his mind, especially when he can’t count down the clock to Christmas or New Year with them.
Vincent was a plant operator at GNPower Mariveles Energy Center, a subsidiary of AboitizPower, for twelve years. He is responsible for the crucial task of ensuring a steady supply of fuel by overseeing the unloading and delivery of the fuel from the receiving port to the main power plant.
“There’s just a part of you that reminds you of your family. You want to be together to welcome Christmas and New Year, to enjoy the Noche Buena and to wish each other happiness,” says Vincent. “Whenever I’m on duty during Christmas or New Year’s Eve, I take a moment to greet them and talk on the phone.”
GMEC operates the 632-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Mariveles, Bataan. Vincent recognizes the importance of each team member in running important baseload facilities such as GMEC, which helps serve the needs of businesses and communities in Luzon and across the country.
“Our role is important because at AboitizPower every team member makes an important contribution to the company. Whether it is a holiday or a normal day, every day we go to work is important,” says Vincent.
This holiday season, Kevin, Cheryl, Vincent and thousands of other of their colleagues will continue to work behind the scenes to operate and maintain the power plants and distribution facilities that keep the lights on across the country. Their service and sense of responsibility are among the most generous Christmas gifts we could ever receive.
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