What’s Inside

WEDITOR’S NOTE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

NEW PROJECTS• OneEastwoodTower2• TheFinanceCenter• NewBohol(Panglao)Airport

PROJECT UPDATES• NewCNS/ATM(NAIA-2)• STARTRECProject• SanGabriel(Siemens)

SAFETY• UsapangSafety:KAPATIRANProgram

FEATURES• EEIisMalayTopEconomicGrowthContributor• ActsofHonesty• MySecondHome• EEIBikeRiders

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT• PHIVIDEC’sIn-HouseTrainingSeminar• RiggingEngineersTraining• MayisAuditConsciousnessMonth• HaikuWritingContestResults• NonaTrains:ATrainer’sWishlist

STEWARDSHIP & COMMUNITY BUILDING• PaglimpyosaVillanueva• BrigadaEskwela• EEIDonatedGarbageBinstoParish• YGC-PGHBloodLettingActivity• EEIDonatedtoPawaPrimarySchool

LEGAL DESK• RighttoKnowthePrice

EVENTS• VolleyballTournament• MSDSummerOuting

Volume 7 Issue 2 April - August 2015

RLDBRINGING FILIPINO CONSTRUCTION CAPABILITY TO THE WORLD

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EEI CORPORATION IS THIRD BEST SMALL CAP COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINESEEI was awarded by Finance Asia as the 3rd Best Small-Cap Company in the Philippines. This the 4th consecutive year that EEI was recognized by Finance Asia.

The Philippines’ winners of the Best Companies Poll were recognized at a dinner held at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City on June 4, 2015 in partnership with Maybank ATR Kim Eng. The award was received by CFO Leo de Castro and SVP Ferdinand Villafuerte.

2 April - July 2015

EDITOR’S NOTE

WorldThe official publication of EEI Corporation

editor-in-chief

managing editorcreative artist

contributors

Ogy V. Mantaring

Stephanie G. Javellana

Niko S. GallegoNatasha Eunice M. BuenavistaKris Kathreen C. HueleBeth G. VinaraoHernando O. VillaturaWarren V. MagtotoChristian Norman C. MesinaHenry NuquiBeverly Faith M. EduavaDanny E. AnunciadoJhonnel S. SantoyoBernard E. CorderoZernan Z. UlanHilario C. LabianEJ A. DatuganNona R. PilapilAlfredo G. Lopez IIJonathan L. EbardalozaEarl Edward C. DimamayExequiel E. SevillaMa. Luisa R. MirandaRalph Reigner P. EsquiviasJudith S. Zabala

We invite everyone to share their stories, news, and photos about developments in their group/department,

as well as informative and insightful articles.

Send to rjvmantaring@eei.com.ph

voLume 7 issue 2 | april - august 2015

This issue comes a bit late but we hope that the wait was worth it.

In response to an article in our last issue on a call to be more creative, we ran a Haiku writing contest last May and we were pleasantly surprised at the response. We received 95 entries written by 48 haiku poets. The haikus of the top 5 winners are featured in this issue.

We also have the usual project updates, accomplishments, sports events, stewardship and community building activities, and feature articles where one contributor refers to EEI as her second home. Indeed, EEI is a home and in a sense like a family, probably to many of us.

This feeling of ‘family’ is at least true in my group, which is why it saddens me that this is the last issue that will be done by our managing editor and creative artist for 5 years as she leaves EEI to come closer to her dreams. Thank you, Teptep, for all the wonderful work and dedication with which you served EEI. Good luck and we wish you well in your new endeavor.

EDITOR’SNOTE

EDITORIAL TEAM: Ogy Mantaring, Stephanie Javellana

3April - July 2015

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

from the President

Our Passion for Excellence is clear in how we strive towards superiority in the products and services that we deliver to our clients. But we must not lose sight of how this core value of ours requires our “insatiable commitment to improve and innovate”.

EEI has a strong pioneering spirit. Change is inevitable, which is why we must constantly flex our creative and innovative muscles to be sure that we do not get stuck in our old ways and miss out on the opportunities brought about by the evolving needs of our customers, and the new processes and technologies that have been affecting the industries we serve.

We may not realize it, but there are many significant differences between the EEI today and what it was only a few years ago. We can therefore expect that a few years from now, the way we do things will have to be changed.

Let us challenge ourselves to always be better than ourselves.

message

roberto Jose L. castiLLoPresident & Chief Executive Officer

4 April - July 2015

THE FINANCE CENTRE

Daichi Properties, Inc. awarded EEI Corporation the construction of The Finance Centre located at 25th Street corner 9th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

EEI is doing the general construction works which include the Civil, Structural, and Architectural Works. With a total floor area of 126,560 square meters and height of 180.23 meters, the building is composed of 5 basement levels, 2 retail levels, 5 podium parking levels, 2 mechanical levels, 32 office floors, and 3 mechanical deck floors.

Construction started on July 11, 2015 and is expected to be completed within 36 months.

By: Natasha Eunice M. Buenavista

TOWER 2By: Niko S. Gallego

In 2014, EEI was working on 8 projects for Megaworld Corporation; but before the end of 2014, one more was added with the awarding of One Eastwood Tower 2.

This project is being managed by Guillermo Bartolome who is still on top of the management of One Eastwood Tower 1 and Le Grand 3, both still on-going projects in Eastwood City.

NEWPROJECTS

ONE EASTWOOD

5April - July 2015

NEW BOHOL (PANGLAO) AIRPORTBy: Kris Kathreen C. Huele

DEVELOPMENT (NAIA 2)By: Hernando O. Villatura

NEW CNS/ATM SYSTEM

After more than a year of hard work and commitment to its SHES Program, the new CNS/ATM (NAIA 2) Project achieved 250,321 safe manhours without Lost Time Incident last June 17, 2015. The project has also completed the erection of the tower radar antenna without record of injury.

This could not have been possible without the exemplary contribution and support of our NAIA-2 employees who work safely, not only for themselves but also for their co-workers. The team would like to express its appreciation to the Project Management of NAIA-2 for its unwavering commitment to all its safety programs in making sure that safety and health are maintained in the workplace. The Project in-Charge, Mr. Nomer G. Bacay, always emphasizes that safety is the top priority in the project. He demonstrates this through his own personal commitment, and challenges the whole Project Management Team to remain involved and supportive of the SHES program.

PROJECT UPDATES

EEI will once again be involved in sustainable construction. The New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection Project, located in Panglao island, was awarded to EEI Corporation by the Chiyoda-Mitsubishi Joint Venture. The New Bohol Airport is designed to accommodate the increasing number of tourists in the province, and is expected to replace the current Tagbilaran Airport.

In line with Bohol province’s eco-tourism branding, the new airport was designed under an “Eco-airport” concept and will employ environment-friendly and energy-saving technologies. The airport features a photovoltaic power generation system, a sewage treatment plant, and a filtering system to mitigate pollution of the surrounding environment during coonstruction.

EEI will be doing the Civil, Structural, Architectural, MEPF, and Installation of special airport systems and equipment.

6 April - July 2015 PROJECTUPDATES

By: Beth G. Vinarao

STAR TREC PROJECT

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) and Chiyoda Philippines, Inc. (CPH) organized a monthly celebration of Safety and Quality at the STAR TREC Project. Last February 26, 2015, the project celebrated their achievement of 1 Million Safe Manhours without LTI at the Mess hall of Shell Tabangao Refinery. PSPC Management gave everyone a shirt, and the employees who consistently performed well were awarded with plaques of recognition and cash gifts. Trivia contests were also held, and those who participated brought home prizes from PSPC.

In May 11, 2015, another grand celebration was held for their achievement of 1.5 Million Safe Manhours without Lost Time Incident.

According to Jojo Mandocdoc, QC Manager of PSPC, STAR TREC is the only project, so far, that he has witnessed perfect, or zero-defect, in X-ray testing of welding performed by EEI. Everyone was ecstatic and in high spirits after the event.

Aside from being safety conscious, EEI does its best in achieving zero-defect not only in its welding works, but in all aspects. In fact, EEI also consistently receives safety and quality awards for its rigging and scaffolding works.

In the morning of May 6, 2015, Edward Jeus, Shell Refinery General Manager, was excitedly congratulating all the employees entering the main gate of the STAR TREC Project. Jeus was thankful for another year of global safety achievement for Shell.

During that day, the Shell Global Safety Day was celebrated at the TSF area of Shell Tabangao Refinery. The activities started at lunch time and extended up to 3:00 in the afternoon. Lunch and umbrellas were given to everyone present in the event.

Games and presentations from Shell, CPH, and EEI were the highlights of the program, with EEI winning 2nd place with their presentation.

Safe Manhours Celebrations

Shell Global Safety Day

Antonio Pascua giving his speech on Shell’s Global Safety Day

7April - July 2015

Zero Harm Culture at Siemens

By: Hernando O. Villatura

SAN GABRIEL 450MW PROJECT

Last June 24, 2015, the Siemens Project celebrated their 3 Million Safe Manhours without Lost Time Incident. Four skilled workers from EEI were awarded as Safety Workers for their Safety, Productivity, and Quality Work. The Scaffolding Group was also awarded as the Safest Group for their exemplary installation of forms and scaffold in their wok areas.

SAFEST WORKERSSenior Construction Manager Reynaldo Marcos received the Certificate of Recognition given to EEI Corporation by Siemens site management, together with the other contractors of the project.

Awarded as safest worker was Raymond D. Garcia, a rigger who was praised by Siemens Site Management for being the first to act upon seeing a smoking electrical panel board. He put out the fire using a fire extinguisher.

Another awardee for safest worker was Zaldy D. Tamparong, a steel worker at the project site. He observed cleanliness in his area and always uses his PPEs properly.

Two more awardees for safest worker were from the Scaffolding Group - Acting Foremen Erlindo Aguilar and Ryan Antipasado. Project Owner First Gen observed that both displayed safe practices according to standards based on OSH procedures in erecting scaffold. The safest worker awardees received t-shirts and certificates.

SAFEST GROUPThe Safest Group award was given to the scaffolders at HRSG (Boiler) area. Certificates and water jugs were given by First Gen Management to the 13 members of the group.

All personnel at the Siemens Project Site were given t-shirts bearing the “3 Million Safe Manhours without LTI” tagline.

8 April - July 2015

Last May 28, 2015, the EEI Corporate SHES Department held their annual event of DOLE-KAPATIRAN Program at the AMG Training Center in San Ildefonso, Bulacan. The objective of the event was to promote the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) advocacy in the construction industry, as well as to help EEI’s “small brothers” (subcontractors) increase their awareness and comply with OSH standards.

The event, attended by the KAPATIRAN’s small brother members, was headed by Michael D. Arguelles. The guest speakers of the event explained the importance of compliance in OSH standards; these included: Atty. Catherine Legados-Parado (Director – Bureau of Working Conditions), Dr. Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco (Executive Director- OSHC), Belinda A. Labutong (Director-TESDA Region III), Engr. Concepcion T. Sto. Tomas (Chief, Safety Control Division-OSHC), Dr. Ma. Beatiz G. Villanueva (Chief, Health Division – OSHC), Ma. Marnie O. Pebrada (OIC, Training and Public information Division-OSHC), Rosalee B. Fajilan (Senior Industrial Hygienist-OSHC), Engr. Jose Viray (DOLE-NCR)

KAPATIRAN PROGRAMBy: Warren V. Magtoto

USAPANG SAFETY:SAFETY

NATIONAL DISASTERCONSCIOUSNESS MONTH

July 1-31, 2015

JULY 1

JULY 6

JULY 7, 14, 21

Earthquake Preparedness GuideRed Border Alert for the month of JulyBy: Corporate SHES Department

Emergency BullEx Fire Extinguisher Training SimulationParticipants: SHES CommitteeBy: KEYLINC Integrated

ERT Meeting for Earthquake DrillParticipants: HQ ERT MembersBy: SHES Department

JULY 17

JULY 24

JULY 30

Disaster Management SeminarParticipants: Managers/OfficersBy: Martin Aguda

Disaster Management SeminarParticipants: Safety Engineers/SupervisorsBy: Martin Aguda

Earthquake DrillParticipants: All Metro Manila ProjectsBy: SHES Department

Be Disaster Aware. Take Action to Prepare.

9April - July 2015

KAPATIRAN PROGRAMUSAPANG SAFETY: FEATURES

ACTS OF HONESTY

EEI RECOGNIZED AS 2014 MALAY TOP 1ECONOMIC GROWTH CONTRIBUTOR

EEI Corporation (Caticlan Airport Development Project) was awarded and recognized by the Municipality of Malay as the 2014 Malay Top 1 Economic Growth Contributor.

The recognition ceremony was held during the 66th Foundation Anniversary of Malay last June 15, 2015 at the Malay Town Plaza, in Malay, Aklan.

The award was acknowledged by Permo R. Sarsoza, Group Manager.

By: Christian Norman C. Mesina

In the general assembly for RCBC Plaza’s housekeeping personnel last July 7, 2015, GAMSI Supervisors together with RCBC Plaza Executive Housekeeper, Mr. Noel Lugtu, awarded certificates of commendation to janitors who have displayed honesty in their work by surrendering or returning items they find to the security group.

The housekeeping staff who have shown honesty in their work are: (in photo A) Jojo Virayo, Emelita San Buenaventura, Sheena Marie Ellao, Ham Pontevedra, Homer Perez, Crisencio Badiang, Kenryu Blanco, Earns Magtang, Christoval Cordova, Ronel Evangelista, Anthony Ocalina, Juram Gumamera, and (in photo B) Jay Cuvinar.

By: Henry B. Nuqui

PHOTO A

PHOTO B

10 April - July 2015

Life is like performing on a stage. You need to climb a stairs and take a series of steps before reaching the centerstage. And for a young girl fresh out of school, every step taken is full of challenges, excitement and opportunities.

Months before graduating from college, I was already excited about the prospect of landing a good job in a reputable company and receiving a good pay. But life after college turned out to be more difficult than I thought it would be. Finding that “dream job” was harder than passing my dreaded chemistry subject. I had been with three different companies receiving only a meager salary, and the reality had somehow dampened my spirit and opened my young mind to search for a better workplace and greener pastures abroad. And then I met EEI.

I have been working in EEI for close to a month, but in this short period, I see a bright future ahead of me which makes me feel ecstatic and blessed. With a warm welcome from my colleagues on the first day, to the camaraderie among the workers, truly this company is not just a workplace but a home away from home where professional, good-natured, smart and hardworking people converge to form a family that works with purpose, passion and care for one another.

At the workplace, which I call “mini-Dubai”, major adjustments and homesickness are not issues. With free accommodations for local hires with distant homes, and a regular shuttle service to the neighboring municipalities, I am able to save from house rental and transportation fare. The camp also provides recreational facilities and a place for personal wellness and enrichment like its own KTV bar, a TV viewing room, fitness gym, and an area for chilling which we call “bahay-kubo”. These are aside from the basic amenities like a canteen, commissary, sports facilities and a laundry shop. The company also has organized internal activities like monthly birthday

celebrations of staff, singing contests, monthly mass, team bonding and other cool activities.

What is more exciting are having our daily dose of exercise, safety talks and prayers to start the day. All are required to participate to ensure that we start our day right, with reminders to be safe at work at all times to ensure that we end the day and go back to our families in one piece. This shows how the company gives high importance to its people.

Likewise, aside from setting a high standard in work quality and safety, and providing employment to many people, EEI also gives back to the local community. The company has organized outreach programs and clean-up drives in the neighboring areas and ensures that strong ties within the community are sustained. Most importantly, I have had the opportunity to work with great individuals who are keen in maintaining a dynamic work environment to keep the organization strong, healthy and growing. I am proud to be part of a company where dedication, enthusiasm, commitment and passion are exemplified by each employee. There is an intense feeling of being a part of a team working together to accomplish a common goal. Even though it is a workplace, there is a caring spirit from each individual. This is a company that truly cares about me as an individual and wants me to strive for the best. This is why I consider EEI such a great place to work in, and consider it to be my second home.

About the contributor:Beverly is a newly hired local recruit working in the Phividec project as Contracts Assistant. She is a graduate of International Studies from Xavier University, CDO. She stays and lives in the camp together with rest of the lady staff and engineers.

MY SECOND HOME By: Beverly Faith M. Eduava

11April - July 2015

The EEI Bike Group is moving up places as they venture to various towns around the region. Seeking fresh adventure and excitement from unfamiliar and far places, the daring bicycle riders explored the countryside view of Pililla, Jala-jala, Siniloan, Pakil-Pangil-Mabitac, and Santa Maria in the province of Rizal, which totals to 65 kilometers.

The tour was a 2-hour ride from Quezon City through Marcos Highway, Antipolo, which passes through the mountains of Sierra Madre and descends to the towns of Morong, Baras, and Tanay.

One of the highlights of this route is a stop at Jala-jala to see the view of Laguna Lake and Talim Island. The riders rested at Ang Dating Daan, the tail-end coastline of Jala-jala.

When they regained their energy, the riders made their final climb at Sinag Tala, Libis ng Nayon, a winding road leading to the town of Santa Maria then to Manila E and then back to Pililla town proper.

The EEI Bike Team tours the mountain roads of Antipolo, Tanay, Marikina, and San Mateo during weekends.

For those interested in joining the club, please contact: Mike Empleo at maempleo@eei.com.ph

EEI BIKE RIDERS ARE MOVING UP!By: Danny E. Anunciado

12 April - July 2015

PHIVIDEC PROJECT: In-House Training Seminar

LEARNING &DEVELOPMENT

By: Jhonnel S. Santoyo, Bernard E. Cordero, and Zernan Z. Ulan

The Phividec Project Management Team provided a training room at the project camp site for the purpose of conducting training programs for the staff and skilled workers mobilized in the project, and also for other seminars that the project supports for community development. Spearheaded by Simon Elmer D. San Miguel, Project Director, several seminars and trainings were already conducted for 2015:

Foreman Development SeminarA 3-Sunday seminar conducted last February 1, 8, and 15 for the newly-hired and promoted foremen of the project. The roles and responsibilities of foremen were discussed in detail during this course.

Lean Construction OrientationA seminar conducted by Marie Joanne Paredes of Corporate Development and Jaime Cinco, outsourced speaker, last March 2-5, 2015. These seminars are more commonly known as WOW (War on Waste) Program and BQTT (Basic Quality Tools and Techniques).

Rigging Training CourseThis training program was facilitated by Robert O. Barreyro and Bernard E. Cordero of the Site Rigging Department. Conducted last April 14 to May 8, 2015, this program trained applicants of nearby areas, including Villanueva, Tagoloan, and

Jasaan, the basics of rigging works. 20 successful graduates of the training program have been employed as Rigger-B of the Phividec Project.

Construction Occupational Safety and HealthA 5-day session was conducted last April 17-19, 24-25, by a resource speaker from MSRS Safety, Health, and Environment Training Services. This was attended by managers and superintendents. The seminar for the 2nd batch was held last June 13-28, 2015.

Defensive Driving CourseEEI service and truck drivers of the project participated in the defensive driving course conducted by MSRS-SHETS last April 17, 2015.

Fire Training SeminarThe Safety Group, headed by Johnnel Santoyo coordinated with the Tagoloan Bureau of Fire Protection last June 13, 2015 to conduct training for the members of the Project’s Emergency Response Team.

13April - July 2015

RIGGING ENGINEERS TRAININGBy: Hilario C. Labian

Last May 27-June 5, 2015, a training program for Level 2 Riggers was successfully held for rigging engineers at the Annex Building of the Steel Fabrication Division in Batangas. The seminar, which was attended by 15 candidates, was conducted by Hilario C. Labian, Rigging Manager.

The training was held to build our internal competencies in lifting works, a critical task which has been increasing in many of our projects. The program ensures that the rigging works necessary, which are unique for every project, are studied carefully, planned methodically, and executed safely.

After the training, the attendees will be sent to various projects to continue to learn through experience from the experienced practitioners in the Company. This initiative was sponsored by AMG/TCSG headed by Efren I. Gatmaitan

14 April - July 2015

MAY is International Auditing Awareness Month

To build awareness and elevate the Internal Auditing profession all around the world, the month of May has been designated as “International Internal Audit Awareness Month”. International Internal Audit Chapters and Institutes, including the including the Institute of Internal Auditors of the Philippines (IIA-P) in which EEI’s Internal Auditors hold active membership, celebrated and promoted the profession throughout the month of May 2015.

EEI’s Internal Audit Group participated in the celebration by conducting “2015 Internal Audit Conference” at EEI’s Staff House in Baguio City last June 19-20, 2015. Highlights of the conference include a keynote speech by Lourdjean R. Avila, Vice President and Chief Audit Executive, about the celebration of the Internal Audit Awareness Month, presentations by the Audit Managers and Supervisors in echoing participated trainings and seminars and cascading valuable insights for the improvements in conducting audits, among others.

By: EJ A. Datugan

LR Avila, VP and Chief Audit Executive giving her opening remarks

Distribution of Certificates of Participation

Weng Dagocdocan received “Most Committed” award

CM Espinoza, Audit Manager, with his Quality Assurance and Improvement Program

15April - July 2015

The conference ended with the distribution of certificates of participation and an awarding ceremony in recognition to EEI’s Internal Auditors who have shown valuable contributions in the attainment of departmental goals and objectives.

To be continuously effective in providing value added services to the organization, the Internal Audit Group, under the leadership of the Chief Audit Executive is positioning itself at the forefront of the Internal Auditing profession. It maintains qualified, skilled and experienced auditors.

It has in fact a remarkably varied mix of skilled and knowledgeable employees having in its roster Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs), Certified Forensic Accountants (CrFAs), Certfied Internal Control Auditors (CICAs), a holder of IIA’s Certification in CRMA (the 8th in the Philippines), IIA Accredited Quality Assessor/Validator of the Internal Audit Activity and an Engineer. For the enhancement of their skills and knowledge, it continually provides venues for in-house and ex-plant trainings and seminars. The Chief Audit Executive meanwhile, participates in speaking engagements to internal auditor of other companies.

ABOUT THe InTeRnAL AUDITIng PROFeSSIOn

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

Performed by professionals with an in-depth understanding of the business culture, systems, and processes, the internal audit activity provides assurance that internal controls in place are adequate to mitigate the risks, governance processes are effective and efficient, and organizational goals and objectives are met.

evaluating emerging technologies. Analyzing opportunities. examining global issues. Assessing risks, controls, ethics, quality, economy, and efficiency. Assuring that controls in place are adequate to mitigate the risks. Communicating information and opinions with clarity and accuracy. This diversity gives Internal Auditors a broad perspective on EEI’s organization. And that, in turn, makes Internal Auditors a valuable resource to executive management and boards of directors in accomplishing overall goals and objectives, as well as in strengthening internal controls and organizational governance

What do Internal Auditors do?The Internal Auditors are often described as the organization’s critical friends – independent advisors and catalysts for improvement with the objective of ensuring that the organization as a whole can achieve its objectives. As advisors to LR Avila, VP and Chief Audit Executive giving her opening remarks

Distribution of Certificates of Participation

Weng Dagocdocan received “Most Committed” award

CM Espinoza, Audit Manager, with his Quality Assurance and Improvement Program

16 April - July 2015

management, Internal Auditors act as the right hand of the Board of Directors through the Audit Committee by giving assurance on the organizations ability to meet its objectives, its governance, risks and controls.

Role of Internal AuditInternal Auditors are responsible for the following:

evaluating controls and advising managers at all levelsThe Internal Auditor’s work includes assessing the tone and risk management culture of the organization as well as evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of management policies.

evaluating risksInternal Auditors identify key activities and relevant risk factors and assess their significance. Changing trends and business/economic

conditions impact the way the Internal Auditor assesses risk. The techniques of internal auditing have changed from a reactive and control based form to a more proactive and risk based approach. This enables the Internal Auditor to anticipate possible future concerns and opportunities as well as identifying current issues.

Analysing operations and confirming informationInternal Auditors work closely with line managers to review operations then report their findings. The internal auditor must be well versed in the strategic objectives of the organization, so that they have a clear understanding of how the operations of any given part of the organisation fit into the bigger picture.

Reviewing complianceCompliance review ensures that the organization is adhering to rules, regulations, laws, codes of practice, guidelines and principles as they apply individually and collectively to all parts of their organization.

Internal Audit’s Sidetrip to La PresaJune 20, 2015

AG de Guzman, IA Manager with his Balanced Scorecard PresentationJJ Zaballa, IA Supervisor with his ACL overview and Functionality Demonstration

JF Quilla, IA Manager, with his Occupational Safety, and Health Standards presentation

17April - July 2015

Writing ContestHaiku

Move up. Seek knowledge.Fear nothing. The climb itself

is the best reward.- Tin (Ma. Cristina Ambat)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As the years go byConstructions by EEI

Lifted you and I.- Alicuas (Julio David)

Beyond barriersEEI will soar, will goSee them all in awe!- Jon E. (Jon Ebardaloza)

With a greater goal,We are packed to aim for more,

Get ready to soar!- Martin L. Dulangon

EEI Moved UpWood, Nails, and Working Hands Built

Lives and Legacy.- Patungge1983 (Cecil Hizon)

1

5

3

4Mistakes of the pastA good guide for all of us

Then, up we go fast.- P O E T 3

2

JF Quilla, IA Manager, with his Occupational Safety, and Health Standards presentation Thank you to all who participated, and congratulations

to the winners whose haikus are presented below.

18 April - July 2015

1. I WISH FOR eVeRYOne TO HAVe FULL UnDeRSTAnDIng AnD APPReCIATIOn THAT…

… growth is a personal obligation. By saying that, I meant that professional maturity is a product of a personal journey. Personal because one has to want to take the trek, the “journey.” An obligation because one has to realize that one needs to do it.

A company, an organization, can only provide growth opportunities.

… learning can happen everywhere in the organization. It is never confined to just the classrooms. It can happen in the workplace (…that, by the way, includes the classrooms! Yes, the classroom is a workplace), in the unfinished structures that we are building, in the canteen, in the hallways, during meetings, online, or while sitting behind your table.

… learning can come from everyone. Not just from trainers. Not just from L&D.

• It can come from our superiors. No, let me re-phrase that: it should come from our superiors. Their “pull” is the “push” from us that they need. I was in a management development course some years ago and our trainer said: “Kailangan marunong kang magturo ng mga tao mo. Kasi sila ang papalit sa iyo! Threatening? Let me re-phrase that: kasi sila ang magtutulak sa iyo pataas. Kailangan may papalit sa iyo.”

• It can come from our peers. These are the people operating within our “competitive spheres,” yet, they also happen to be among the best sources of knowledge in the workplace. The paradox here is, they will be able to teach us if we will also not withhold what we know from them. Learning happens when we allow what we know to be dissected, deconstructed, exposed to, and examined by others.

Believe me, feedback has a tendency to make things “grow”, more enriched, and more relevant.

• It can come from our stakeholders. One thing I bank on so much when designing and facilitating for courses is my baul of experience. How does this work? Well, for one, I know loads about customer service excellence because not only am I a service provider, I am also a customer!

Experience coming from • interacting with Customers and the Community, • observing, conversing with, working alongside my co-employees,

ANONATRAINS

Trainer’sWishlist

By: Nona R. Pilapil

19April - July 2015

• being fair in my treatment of suppliers; and,• being aware of my responsibility to watch over and ensure the worth, value, and effectiveness of EEI’s

training investments because I owe it to our owners, the Shareholders;

All these are my teachers, trainers even, on how I can be the best L&D practitioner for our Company. How about you?

2. I WISH THAT eeI eMPLOYeeS WILL nOT OnLY LIKe — BUT WILL ALSO LOVe — THe engLISH LAngUAge.

We are “the World’s Partner in Construction”. Proficiency in using the English language is a means towards this end. I do not know how else to put this, but let me try...

• When we love, we want the object of our affection to be with us all the time. I wish the English language will be with us when we speak, write, read, and listen. Yes, even when reading and listening. Why? These are two of the best ways of practicing and, thus, learning, this language. Which brings us to the next “love expression”:

• When we love, we want to get to know the object of our affection better. Not only that, we also create occasions that will allow us to do so.

I know about a Project Manager who enrolled himself to an English language proficiency course, out of his own pocket! I know about an Executive Secretary who, after attending my course on this language, sought online tutorials, bought self-help books, and continued practicing its use in doing her job. I know of a Department that has English-only Fridays! I can name officers and office heads, as well as employees, who have relayed their requests for L&D to give them and their people training on this (..we have started, and will do massive training for everyone very soon!).

• When we love, we treat the object of our affection right. I still receive emails written in jejemon. I recently received some feedback about an external training provider who writes “u r” in place of you are, and “u’r” instead of you’re! Please, that’s a crime!

I know I am overreacting, but what I meant is: jejemon has no place in corporate communications. I should know — I wrote jejemon, too, to save on mobile phone load. After months of doing so, I began experiencing difficulties when speaking and writing in English — in the sentence construction level! To think that I would take pride in my ability to write and speak “kilometric-ally” using the language! Aaargh!

• When we love, we find extraordinary value in the object of our affection. There is a reason why, from among countless competencies, EEI singled out Communication as core to the Company. Our core products — Buildings, Infrastructure, Electromechanical Structures, Fabricated Steel Products, and Manpower — should be reflections of our core competencies. When we look at our output, we have to be able to claim that it is an “excellently-communicated product.”

Happy learning, everyone!

Wishlist

20 April - July 2015 STEWARDSHIP& COMMUNITY

EEI Corporation has been an active advocate in building community relations and environment preservation.

Last May 24, 2015, a clean-up drive program, “Paglimpyo sa Villanueva” (paglimpyo meaning “to clean”) was successfully conducted at the plaza, gymnasium, pamilihang bayan, the municipality building, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in the Municipality of Villanueva. The activity was spearheaded by Simon Elmer D. San Miguel, Project Director, along with 130 participants from the PHIVIDEC project.

The company, which has been in Misamis Oriental for more than a year already, supports the development of communities around the project’s areas of operations. It assists them in their livelihood, environment conservation, and other sustainability programs. The management is committed and looks forward to building strong ties with its community by extending its program to the neighboring areas.

Following this activity, the PMT held an outreach program in Tagoloan last June 28, 2015.

PAGLIMPYO SA VILLANUEVA: A Way of Giving BackBy: Beverly Faith M. Eduava and Alfredo G. Lopez II

21April - July 2015

BRIGADA ESKWELATayo Para Sa Kalinisan at Kahandaan ng Ating mga Paaralan

By: Jonathan L. Ebardaloza

EEI joined the Brigada Eskwela 2015 (National Schools Maintenance Week) through the Bagumbayan Elementary School last May 18-28, 2015.

To support the project of the Department of Education, Felix F. Malunes, Jr., the school principal of Barangay Bagumbayan Elementary School, invited all the private companies within the vicinity of the barangay to contribute their time and resources in ensuring that the public school facilities were ready for school opening in June. Among other companies who joined the program were Universal Robina Corporation, Megaworld Corporation, Ateneo Center for Educational Development, Police Station 12, and other community volunteers.

EEI Corporation, headed by Rene C. Roberto, assisted by Ralph Esquivias and Jay Dimaano of Human Resources Group were involved with the planning. With the support of Ernie Y. Chua, AVP for Materials Group, and Guillermo Bartolome, Project Manager, the volunteers were able to acquire 8 gallons of paint courtesy of One Eastwood Project. EEI also provided manpower and cleaning materials from GAMSI for the cleaning of classrooms and comfort rooms of the school.

EEI painted the two-story building (Administration Office and classrooms on the second floor), cleaned the comfort rooms, and painted the signage on the walls of the school buildings for the fire, earthquake, and emergency drills.

22 April - July 2015

YGC AND PGHBLOODLETTINGBy: Earl Edward C. Dimamay

Last June 27, 2015, EEI participated in the YGC-PGH Blood Letting Program “Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko” held at the EEI HQ FOG Lobby.

The blood letting activity was conducted for the benefit of the pediatric cancer patients of Philippine General Hospital.

Sixty EEI employees from One Eastwood, Skyway 3, Ore Square, Admiral, Alaska, Uptown 3 and 4, and EEI HQ volunteered for the activity. Out of the 60 volunteers, 50 were qualified to donate blood. The 50 bags that EEI was able to give are equal to 22,500 ml of blood donated for the PGH pediatric cancer patients.

The Caticlan Project Management Team donated 10 trash bins to the Parish of Saint Isidore of Nabas, Aklan as support for the clean and green project of the parish.

The garbage bins were received by the parochial priests, Rev. Fr. Peter Kim Dela Cruz and Rev. Fr. Ramon Bansuelo.

This project was headed by Permo Sarsoza, Project Manager of Caticlan Airport project.

EEI DONATES GARBAGE BINS TOTHE PARISH OF SAINT ISIDORE

By: Christian Norman Mesina

23April - July 2015

Last March 2015, the Nabas Project Management Team donated 325 textbooks and 4 units of stand fans to Pawa Primary School for additional reading references for their pupils from kindergarten to grade 4.

In addition, the team constructed playground facilities and surfaced the uneven areas of the school grounds. The team performed the following: backfilled and compacted the surfacing area of the school grounds, fabricated playground facilities, installed pathways and concrete benches, installed concrete platforms, pavements, and a flagpole.

A turnover ceremony was held in the school last May 19, 2015. Representatives during the ceremony were Barangay Pawa officials, teachers, parents, students, and the Nabas Project Management Team.

“Ang edukasyon ay tanging pamana sa ating mga anak upang magkaroon sila ng magandang kinabukasan,” Melvin Lucas, Nabas Project Manager, said during the ceremony. The representatives from Barangay Pawa were very appreciative of EEI’s donation.

This activity is part of the Nabas PMT’s social commitment to its community.

NABAS PMT DONATES TO PAWA PRIMARY SCHOOLBy: Exequiel E. Sevilla

24 April - July 2015

School opening has already started for most schools while others are still to open this July or August. It is therefore normal to see students and parents filling the bookstores, department stores and supermarkets to buy school supplies, books, uniforms, groceries, etc.

Many are complaining about the rising prices of school supplies, books and basic commodities like rice, sugar, breads/pandesal, even spices like garlic, onions and ginger, not to mention the price of fuel/ gasoline.

We sometimes see “price tags” displayed on some products but most of us do not mind if other products like grocery items, including meat and vegetables have no prices on them. Many are unaware that lack or incorrect price tags or labeling is punishable under the law.

The Price Tags Law RA 712 requires merchants to place prices on every item. However, many retailers, including big chain of supermarkets, have resorted to clever, if not dishonest way, of going around the law.

The Price Tags law is in place to keep retailers from changing the prices of goods without warning. Most retailers prefer shelf tags to individual price stickers, or barcodes that consumers cannot read. Some retailers install price scanners in hideous corners of the store; others don’t.

Some items don’t have any price tag at all: no individual price tag, no shelf tag, no price list, and no barcode. Buyers end up getting shocked upon seeing the price of untagged item once it is punched in the counter.

The Price Tags Law (RA 71) is an old law passed way back in June 12, 1954 but eight years after its passage, it was amended by RA 1074. This amendment specified that price tags on lumber products should indicate the official name of the wood to enable the buyers to distinguish one species of wood from others.

Forty two (42) years thereafter, in April 1992, the same provisions under the Price Tags Law were carried but reworded with modifications under Articles 81 to 83 of RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

The law defines price tag as “any device, written, printed, affixed or attached to a consumer product or displayed in a consumer repair or service.” The definition has been made even clearer.

Articles 81, 82 and 83 state:

Article 81. Price Tag Requirement. – It shall be unlawful to offer any consumer product for retail sale to the public without an appropriate price tag, label or marking publicly displayed to indicate the price of each article and said products shall not be sold at a price higher than that stated therein and without discrimination to all buyers: Provided, That lumber sold, displayed or offered for sale to the public shall be tagged or labeled by indicating thereon the price and the corresponding official name of the wood: Provided, further, That if consumer products for sale are too small or the nature of which makes it impractical to place a price tag thereon price list placed at the nearest point where the products are displayed indicating the retail price of the same may suffice.

Article 82. Manner of Placing Price Tags. – Price tags, labels or markings must be written clearly, indicating the price of the consumer product per unit in pesos and centavos.

Article 83. Regulations for Price Tag Placement. – The concerned department shall prescribe rules and regulations for the visible placement of price tags for specific consumer products and services. There shall be no erasures or alterations of any sort of price tags, labels or markings.

The penalty for violations of the provisions of Articles 81 to 83 for the first time shall be subject to a fine of not less than two hundred pesos (P200.00) but not more than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) or by imprisonment of not less than one (1) month but not more than six (6) months or both, at the discretion of the court. A second conviction under this paragraph shall also carry with it the penalty of revocation of business permit and license.

Now that you know, next time you shop, demand to see the price of items you intend to buy, to avoid the element of surprise when you see your grocery bill at the counter.

Legal Desk

1 Some portions of this article was lifted from Tita C. Valderama’s Article entitled “Tagging DTI on Price Tags” dated June 29, 2014 The Manila Times.2 As amended by RA 1074 and RA 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines)

By: Atty. Ma. Luisa R. Miranda

Legal Desk

25April - July 2015

2015 VOLLEYBALL From: Ralph Reigner P. Esquivias

EVENTS

WOMEN’S DIVISIONChampion: Admin/HRM1st Runner Up: FOG 22nd Runner Up: Engineering

MEN’S DIVISIONChampion: FOG 21st Runner Up: EE Inc.2nd Runner Up: PCG/Logistics

TOURNAMENT

MANPOWER SERVICESSUMMER OUTING 2015From: Judith S. Zabala

The Manpower Services Department held their 2015 summer outing at Cristina Villas Mountain Resort in Antipolo last April 18, 2015.

WorldVOLUME VII ISSUE II (APRIL - AUGUST 2015)