Preparing Students Towards a Gender-Sensitive Energy Sector

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Senior High School students of the Fort Bonifacio High School attended the ENEREADY: A Career Talk on Breaking Gender Stereotypes in the Energy Sector conducted by the Department of Energy-Consumer Welfare Promotion Office (DOE-CWPO) led by Helen B. Arias on 24 November at the school’s auditorium in this City.

Based on the directive of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi to strive towards equality, the DOE has intensified its ENEREADY Project to further promote gender balance and development in the energy sector.

“The mainstreaming of gender in the energy sector recognizes both men and women’s significant contributions by giving them equal opportunities,” Cusi said.

According to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the female gender only represents 28% of the total enrollment in engineering and other technical courses from the period 2011-2016.

In an effort to balance the gender fulcrum in the sector, the DOE devised the project to encourage students to pursue a profession based on their passion, knowledge and skills, and not on gender stereotypes which limit technical careers to a certain gender.

Providing a first-hand experience story, the students were able to listen to the testaments of women working in the energy sector, namely: Engr, Martha Isabel S. Dealino of MERALCO, Engr. Katrina Mae S. Royo of MERALCO, both electrical engineers; Engr. Arlyne Joy R. Pestana (Mining Engineer) and Engr. Pia Louren C. Gatinga (Petroleum Engineer) of DOE-Energy Resource Development Bureau, who inspired them on the possible career options and job opportunities before deciding on a college course track.

Meanwhile, Engr. Eduardo B. Fernandez (Mechanical Engineer) of DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) discussed his experiences while working in the power industry for appreciation on the male gender perspective.

Recognizing the program’s significance towards a gender-balanced industry, the DOE has scheduled another career talk at the Bagong Bayan High School and General Pio Del Pilar High School on November 25 and 28, respectively.

The DOE will continue its gender and development advocacy to eradicate misconceptions and straighten out perceived labels of several occupations under the energy sector.

Photo Caption:

BREAKING GENDER STEREOTYPES: With Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi at the helm, the DOE continues to promote gender equality and gender development in the energy sector. DOE’s resource speaker for its ENEREADY project, Engr. Katrina Mae S. Royo of MERALCO, asked the students about their perception on women working in the energy sector, which drew several responses. According to them, the energy sector is a man’s world and available jobs present more challenges to women than men.

Another Batch of Elementary Students are Energy Cost Busters

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Under Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi’s directive of consumer-centric service, the Department of Energy-Consumer Welfare Promotion Office (DOE-CWPO) led by Helen B. Arias conducted another Energy Smart Kids – Consumer Education Campaign for the students of Nemesio I. Yabut Elementary School on 23 November at the DOE-Audio Visual Room in this City.

Cusi emphasized, "The Consumer Education Program shares information about energy efficiency and conservation to future leaders of this nation.”

“After all, if we aim for energy sustainability, we have to teach our youngsters first,” Cusi added.

As part of the campaign, various lectures and desk exercises were made to familiarize the students with energy-related terms.

In particular, Engr. Eduardo B. Fernando of the DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau oriented the students on Basic Electricity Concepts, including discussions on the power supply chain involving generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to consumers.

DOE-CWPO Senior Staff Norita C. Froilan gave a lecture about Household Energy Saving Tips to help the students reduce their electricity consumption at home in fulfilling their pledge as “Energy-Cost Buster.”

At the conclusion of the event, 50 grades five (5) and six (6) students took an oath as “Energy-Cost Buster” by committing to turn off lights and appliances when not in use; conserve electricity, water and other resources and help in the preservation of the environment.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Celebrates Three Decades of Making a Difference in Communities

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All over the Philippines, the iconic red and white logo of Coca-Cola always evokes a feeling of refreshing ice-cold beverages that can be enjoyed and shared with loved ones and friends to make meal times more special.

But in other parts of the nation, in remote villages where water is scarce, in communities where women are struggling to improve their household income, and in schools where students are suffering from poor health, Coca-Cola has been a refreshing sign of hope and progress, thanks to the various social responsibility programs of the company through their social responsibility arm – the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc.

Since it was established in November 1986 as a manifestation of the commitment of Coca-Cola to corporate citizenship in the country, the Foundation has helped improve the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos through education, health, water sanitation, and livelihood programs. Through the Foundation, Coca-Cola has also provided emergency assistance during disasters and implemented various environmental conservation projects.

Celebrating 30 years of fulfilling the mission of providing sustainable growth and well-being in Filipino communities, the Foundation’s current programs this year are focused on enabling access to safe water in underserved, rural communities as well as providing education and development opportunities to the Filipino youth.