2024 PHILATMEC CONVERGENCE A SUCCESS
The 2024 Philippine Association of Technical Managers of Electric Cooperatives (PHILATMEC) Convergence was a huge success, thanks to our partners, speakers, and attendees.
A total of 235 participants representing 111 electric cooperatives nationwide took part in this year’s PHILATMEC Convergence from January 30 to 31, 2024.
The two-day convergence offered participants an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and discuss the most pressing issues in the energy sector.
The event was graced by NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, PhilRECA Party-list Rep. Presley De Jesus, APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc, PHILRECA President Joselito Yap, and Executive Director and General Manager Atty. Janeene Depay-Colingan.
“This event holds a promise of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among technical professionals in the electric cooperative industry. Under the theme, “Achieving the Goals of Rural Electrification: Recognizing the Role of Enhanced MCO Engagement in Powering Filipino Communities,” the convention serves as an essential platform for addressing the pressing issues facing our energy sector,” Colingan said.
Day one featured five plenary sessions.
Engr. Federico Villar Jr., Director of the Engineering Department at the National Electrification Administration (NEA), discussed the guidelines on how to conduct Distribution Impact Study (DIS) and Distribution Asset Study (DAS).
Engr. Louise Dan Figuracion, Science Research Specialist II at the Department of Energy (DOE), followed by sharing the updates on the Smart Distribution Utility Roadmap (SDUR).
Dr. Alvie Astronomo, Associate Scientist at the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, presented the “Small Modular Reactors (SMR): Harnessing Nuclear Energy in the Philippines.”
Engr. Froilan Savet, First Vice President and Head of Networks at MERALCO, presented the “Interconnection Protection of Embedded Generation in Distribution Network.”
Atty. Chiara Angela Blanco, Chief Energy Regulation Officer of Contestable Market Division at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), discussed the updates on the Energy Regulatory Framework.
The second day of the event featured two plenary sessions.
Atty. Patrick Aquino, Director of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau at the Department of Energy, presented the “Hydrogen in the Energy Sector.”
Engr. Edsel Laurica, Technical Services Department Manager at Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO), spoke about “Best Practices in Developing Renewable Energy Facilities: An EC Perspective.”
In addition to plenary sessions, the two-day event included technical sessions, allowing participants to gain insights into emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in the energy industry.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to our speakers, panelists, and all participants for making this convergence a resounding success. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the dynamic world of technology,” said Engr. Ronnel Arañez, PHILATMEC Vice President for Visayas.
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