BAGUIO CITY – Team Energy, the power supplier of Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO), has formalized the turnover of a generous donation amounting to P10 million for the construction of the first phase of BENECO’s training center in barangay Alapang, La Trinidad, in a significant stride towards empowering the youth of Benguet.
The Deed of Donation, signed on January 22, 2024, marked the culmination of a collaborative effort between Team Energy and BENECO.
The P10 million donation, facilitated through Team Energy’s social development arm, Team Energy Foundation, Inc. (TEFI), was utilized to complete the foundation and first floor structure of a two-story building designed to serve as a training institution.
According to the Deed of Donation, the building is intended to function as an “educational institution building with training and lodging facilities” primarily for conducting technical and non-technical training activities for BENECO employees, as well as those from other cooperatives in the Cordillera region and other areas in the country.
BENECO’s Board of Directors (BOD) had approved the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Team Energy for this substantial donation in May 2018, with the construction of Phase I (structural and roofing) commencing in July 2022.
Architect Elvis Palicdon spearheaded the construction, officially turning over the completed structure to Team Energy in June 2023.
While the first phase of the building is now complete, BENECO is still in need of an additional P13 million to finalize the second phase, which includes finishing works.
The Team Energy Foundation, Inc. has granted BENECO’s request for funding, recognizing the electric cooperative’s wealth of experience and sustainable practices in the operations of a distribution utility (DU).
Mitsuhiro Kojima of TEFI and BENECO Task Force chairperson Steve Cating formalized the donation through the signing of the deed.
This contribution follows the establishment of the BENECO Skills Development Training Center (BSDTC) at Abatan, Buguias, a TESDA-accredited technical vocational school offering certification in linemen training and other skills courses like welding, electrical installation maintenance, and massage therapy.
Engr. Jo Calawen, a member of the committee formed to work on the training center, recalled the late GM Gerardo Verzosa’s relentless pursuit of funding avenues that would not burden consumers.
Verzosa’s dedication and financial acumen were pivotal in securing the donation from Team Energy, a testament to his vision for BENECO’s future.
“Working hard to realize his dream for BENECO, the late GM Verzosa exhausted all avenues looking for funding that will not burden the consumers. Coupled with his genius in financial engineering, he tirelessly requested the top leaders of TEAM Energy for the donation,” Calawen said.
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