For 18 days in June, 2009, the Management Assistance Group (MAG) of NEA Training Team conducted and facilitated an Upgrading Course for linemen and other technical personnel involved in the construction operation and maintenance of distribution system.

The session, arranged by Penelco Admin staff was held from June 3 – 23, 2009 with the following NEA Training team of MAG, who served as Resource Speakers, namely: Dir. Adolben Flores, Acting Director, MAG-SAO, Mr. Gregorio Arquero, Safety Trainer, Engr. Nelson Lalas, Master Trainer and Mr. Jesus Obidos, Jr., Assistant Trainer. Speakers shared with the participants their expertise in their chosen topic, relevant to the operation of the Coop.

A total of thirty-six (36) participants have attended the said course. As part of the course practicum, the following were conducted for the trainees, as follows: Individual Pole Climbing Evaluation, Actual Inspection of Coop’s Existing Distribution Transformer’s Polarity and Voltage Ratio Test, Capacitor’s Insulation Resistance Test and actual Demonstration of Power Substation Parts, Functions and its Switching Operating Principles.

Individual pole climbing evaluation was conducted in PENELCO Main Office last June 11, 2009. Thirty-two (32) participants have participated to climb wherein pointers and procedures in pole climbing techniques was fully emphasized. Majority have the individual skills in pole climbing.

In the inspection of DX lines, the trainees were assigned per group to conduct actual inspection of coop existing lines along the municipality of Abucay. This is to determine if the standard is in accordance with the line construction specification and if not, recommend its corrective measures. Likewise, actual demonstration of power substation parts, function and its switching operating principles was conducted last June 20, 2009 at Samal SC/Substation.

Closing ceremony was held in the afternoon of June 23, in the presence of all Penelco Department Managers and the participants’ respective families. Participants did not only acquire technical knowledge but they were also motivated by NEA Training Team to unveil their talents in singing and dancing. It was a touching moment then, as they sung their graduation song – “Ilaw ng Bayan” (NEA 40th Anniversary jingle), in PENELCO linemen version.

The Linemen Training is part of the MAG-SAO’s commitment to assist the electric cooperatives (ECs) via courses that will enable the involved personnel to improve their efficiency and attitude in discharging their responsibilities for better services to our member-consumers.

Immediately after the training, the batch, which called themselves “Heroes of Light”, was tasked to electrify Barangay Mawacat in Floridablanca, Pampanga tasked forced by other electric cooperatives in Region 3. The project was a commitment of NEA Administrator Editha S. Bueno to President Arroyo and was very timely for the batch to show their additional learning and upgraded skills. The seven (7) kilometer project was completed in only ten (10) days which is twelve (12) days earlier on the targeted date.