AboitizPower unit celebrates 'friendship' with DSWD beneficiaries

AboitizPower distribution utility company, Subic EnerZone (SEZ), treated 28 girls who have sought shelter with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to a day of fun and games at a resort in Morong, Bataan last month.

The activity is part of SEZ's decision to launch its "Kaibigan" program outside of the company.

The "Kaibigan" program started as an internal company activity to encourage camaraderie among SEZ team members.

The girls who became part of this year's "Kaibigan" are victims of various abuses and are beneficiaries of the DSWD Social Development Center (SDC) for Girls in Olongapo City, Zambales.

"For the girls who have been through difficult situations at a young age, this program means a lot," said Rowena Fabay, Head of DSWD-SDC. "Most of them are in their formative years so we really appreciate the efforts of AboitizPower and SEZ to help create a positive influence on the lives of our precious girls.

"The girls took home tokens and prizes from games organized by SEZ, led by Senior Vice President and COO Dante Pollescas.

SEZ team member shared how different the experience was from their previous "Kaibigan" activities.

"It was a totally different experience for us. Knowing that the girls have gone through a lot in life, it's so heartwarming and rewarding to see them smile and enjoy our time together," SEZ team member Achilles Balbuena said. "This inspires us to do even better at work because we know that we're making a difference in the lives of so many people.

"SEZ is the sole power distributor at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. It is among AboitizPower's eight distribution utilities, which include the second and third largest private DUs in the Philippines. In 2016, SEZ had a peak demand of more than 100 MW and was able to provide its franchise area with 535,008,922 kWh.