IIEE Northern Laguna

THE BEGINNING

October 17-18, 2003

Patio Bar & Restaurant, Paseo de Sta. Rosa

After the Election of 2004 Officers of the Central Laguna Chapter held at Hon’s Café & Restaurant in Calamba, the group of CLC officers namely; Arnel Punongbayan, Exequiel Elleazar, Anastacio Catalan Jr., Dennis Saavedra and Larry Cruz met at Patio Bar & Restaurant at Paseo de Sta. Rosa to relax and have some fun after a grueling election.

On that day, Dennis Saavedra joined the members of the RA7920 Committee along with the members of the BEE in visiting different companies in Laguna & Cavite as part of the deputation program of IIEE. They visited Coke, Toyota and Panasonic in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. During the visit, Dennis met and learned from the practitioners in the said companies that despite the numerous activities of CLC and being an outstanding chapter , still they were not aware of it’s existence.

As an outstanding chapter for 2002 and with a mission of a Back to Back Most Outstanding Chapter Award for 2003, the tandem of Larry Cruz & Dennis Saavedra realized that there should be more than winning an award. The trophies should not be mere decorations, the award must be utilized in realizing the missions and visions of the Institute, and it could be effectively done if IIEE will be brought closer to it’s members.

Without the knowledge of the other officers present, with cervesa negra , sisig & text messages until the morning of October 18, a dream was slowly taking place.

October 18 – 19, 2003
Patio Bar & Restaurant, Paseo de Sta. Rosa

After a tiring day from their respective works, Larry & Dennis met again to continue the discussion on how to bring about changes which must be instituted to further promote IIEE in the area.

Central Laguna is composed of the towns of San Pedro, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba & Los Baños, and for the past 26 years of it’s existence, activities of the chapter were mostly concentrated in Cabuyao - Calamba area. It was only in 2002 when the chapter focused in other towns, notably in Biñan & Sta. Rosa in 2003. However, the efforts done were still not enough to encourage practitioners in other towns especially from San Pedro & Biñan, and those working in Laguna Technopark & LIIP.

After hours of discussion with their favorite companions, cervesa negra & sisig, the dream was fortified with the desire to make the difference of bringing a more responsive and pro-active IIEE, the dream became a plan, and it was not only a simple plan but a grand plan of creating another chapter, the NORTHERN LAGUNA CHAPTER.

October 21, 2003
Tropicali Bar & Grill, Paseo de Sta. Rosa
Creating a new chapter is not an easy task, objectives must be clearly set and analyzed ; and for this purpose, the night of October 21 was dedicated for it, so the following were formulated:

Objectives:

1. To better serve electrical practitioners in the First District of Laguna.

2. To strengthen IIEE in Region IV particularly in the Province of Laguna.

3. To decentralize the organization and bring new opportunities for the continued growth of IIEE.

4. To bring the fruits of CLC’s success closer to the practitioners in the area.

Action Plans:

1. Explore the area and search for group of practitioners.

2. Identify each practitioner in the area by getting a list from the IIEE National Office.

3. Make appointment with them.

4. Coordinate with Municipal Officials.

5. Form a group of at least 20 practitioners.

6. Prepare documents needed.

7. Inform CLC Officers of the plan.

8. Submit completed documents to the National Office.

9. Request the Regional Governor to follow – up the application every Board Meeting.

November 2003

The whole month of November was devoted in networking for practitioners in the area specially those who are inactive members of IIEE.

To speed up the realization of the project, a target was set for its launching. One hundred (100) days is given to accomplish it.
COUNTDOWN BEGINS !!!

December 4, 2003
Paseo de Sta. Rosa

Start of the 100 days countdown for the launching of the chapter on March 12, 2004. The duo of Larry and Dennis became a trio in the person of Engr. Arnel M. Punongbayan.

December 18, 2003

El Simon Bar & Restaurant, Paseo de Sta. Rosa
The first meeting was held and the following practitioners now comprises the so-called core group:

1. Dennis Saavedra

2. Larry Cruz

3. Arnold Olila

4. Jozane Jalbuena

5. Robert Alagon

6. Teddy Barredo

7. Ramil Vergara

8. Ramsel Nanola

9. Levi Tavaniera

After almost two hours of discussion and exchanges of ideas, the group agreed that indeed a chapter is still needed in order to fulfill the missions of the Institute specifically in the area.

Everyone gave his commitment to support and help in the realization of this task as they saw it’s importance and necessity in the professional life of the practitioners of the first district.

Also during this day, the 1996 Laguna Chapter President Engr. Gomer Carta expressed his support for the creation of this chapter.

January 8, 2004

Panasonic Mobile Comm. Corp. of the Phils.

Laguna Technopark, Sta. Rosa

As scheduled, the second meeting was successfully held at Panasonic with 17 attendees. The first part was dedicated to a technical discussion on Electrical Safety which started at 6:00 pm. During the second part, Engr. Larry Cruz and Engr. Dennis Saavedra presented the plans and programs of NLC.

Each attendee was given an opportunity to express his thoughts regarding NLC and everyone gave his full support and cooperation for it’s success.

Larry & Dennis explaining the Arnold welcomes attendees to

Objectives of NLC Panasonic

One of the biggest accomplishment of the meeting was the moral support expressed by the guest lecturer in the person of the Former IIEE Region IV Governor and Laguna Chapter President, Engr. Armando Diaz who was surprised to know about NLC. He believes that NLC will be a big help in the membership program of IIEE and such move must be supported 100 percent. Upon learning of this development, the memories of the founding years of Laguna Chapter flash backed in his mind and he narrated it to the group.

January 14, 2004

Uni-lonseal Plastic

Calamba City

Engr. Larry Cruz and Dennis Saavedra discussed to the 2004 Central Laguna Chapter Board of Directors the formation of Northern Laguna Chapter.

January 15, 2004

Coca-Cola Plant

Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Third meeting of NLC with the following guests in attendance:

Engr. Jupiter Gonzales, IIEE Region IV Governor; Engr. Flor Varona, Pres. – Cavite Chapter; Engr. Rogelio Vergara, Pres – Western Batangas Chapter; Engr. Jojo Aquino, Former Pres. – Western Batangas Chapter; Engr. John Eduard Bautista, Pres – Hotel Engineers Association of the Phils.; Engr. Allan Alvarez, VP-Technical – Central Laguna Chapter; Engr. Jun Catalan, Pres – Central Laguna Chapter; & Engr. Bobby Ocampo, Head – IIEE Student Council.

The guests expressed support and cooperation for the formation of NLC.
Engr. Armando Diaz lectured on FOUR SYSTEMS OF MAINTENANCE as part of the Technical Information Sharing of the group.

It was agreed that NLC will send delegation to the Region IV Planning Conference on January 17. NLC was approved to send delegates during the Regional Meeting held in a separate meeting attended by the representatives of Cavite, Western Batangas, Central & Northern Laguna with Engr. Bobby Ocampo as guest and was presided by the Region IV Governor. Larry Cruz and Dennis Saavedra represented NLC.

Election of officers followed later. The membership requested that Engr. Larry Cruz and Engr. Dennis Saavedra occupied the two top positions to ensure the success of this new chapter.

Elected Officers:

President - Larry C. Cruz

VP Internal Affairs - Dennis M. Saavedra

VP External Affairs - Eduardo Malaque

VP Technical Affairs - John Eduard B. Bautista

Secretary - Arnold B. Olila

Treasurer - Matty M. Martin

Auditor - Nestor E. Tadeo

Board of Directors:

- Jozane F. Jalbuena

- Michael P. Tuazon

- Ramil B. Vergara

- Ramsel V. Nañola

- Teddy Baredo

- Francis Tabrilla

- March D. Matienzo

- Robert D. Alagon

- Salvador L. Mojal

- Hilarion Barairo

January 17, 2004

Dasmariñas, Cavite

NLC sent the biggest delegation in the 2004 Annual Planning Conference for Region IV sponsored by Cavite Chapter. Delegates were: (1) John Eduard Bautista; (2) Jozane Jalbuena; (3) Nestor Tadeo; (4) Regelio Mendoza; (5) Rudolf Jon Vincoy (6) Larry Cruz and (7) Dennis Saavedra.

The planning conference spearheaded by Region IV Gov. Jupiter Gonzales was a success and the participants appreciated it very much. Larry Cruz and Dennis Saavedra facilitated the planning session.

January 21, 2004

Kusina ni Eway

Paseo de Sta. Rosa

Special Meeting was called by Engr. Larry Cruz to finalize the documents needed for the filing of the resolution forming the new chapter through Engr. Jose Jupiter Gonzales.

As approved by the body, Engr. Hilario Barairo will replace Engr. Eduardo Malaque as Vice President for External Affairs.

The First General Membership Meeting on February 7, 2004 was also finalized with technical lectures on Electrical Safety, Energy Management and How to be become a PEE?.

Fuji-Haya Electric

Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna

On the same day, the resolution forming NLC presented by CLC President Jun Catalan was not able to get the needed majority.

However, even without the endorsement of CLC, the group agreed to go ahead with the plan of forwarding the request to the IIEE National Board of Governors through Engr. Jupiter Gonzales on January 24, 2004.

January 22, 2004

Fourlen Industrial Sales & Services, Inc.

Calamba, Laguna

During the formal opening & blessing of Fourlen’s office, NLC got a big boost with the written personal endorsement of the 2003 IIEE Region IV Governor Engr. Moises Fule .

January 23, 2004

Unilab, Mandaluyong

Engr. Dennis Jay Mazo, Quezon Chapter President gave his written personal endorsement of NLC.

Ortigas Center, Pasig City
On the same day, Dennis Saavedra presented the formation of Northern Laguna Chapter to the IIEE National President, Engr. Rofolfo Ferrer.

January 24, 2004

IIEE Office, Quezon City
The creation of NLC was filed by 2004 IIEE Region IV Governor Engr. Jupiter Gonzales with the following message to the National Officers:

“EE practitioners in the towns of San Pedro, Biñan & Sta. Rosa hope that their dream to further promote and enhance the Electrical Engineering profession in accordance with the IIEE Missions & Visions through the NORTHERN LAGUNA CHAPTER , BE A REALITY.”

THE CHALLENGES!!

The succeeding months were both emotionally and physically exhausting for the core group.

The Requirements

During the January 24, 2004 National Board Meeting, the formation of NLC was approved but subject to the terms and condition stipulated in the Constitution and By- Laws; (1) at least twenty (20) active members, and (2) endorsement from the mother chapter.

Why do we need to form NLC?

On January 29, 2004, during the 4th Regular Board Meeting of CLC at Engr. Celsa Arriesgado’s residence, Larry Cruz and Dennis Saavedra together with Jozane Jalbuena discussed and explained why they need to form NLC.

First General Membership Meeting?

February 7, 2004 was the first General Membership Meeting of NLC but it was renamed to Organizational Meeting upon the instruction of the National Office as the group was not yet been recognized as a chapter of IIEE. The one day organizational activity was held at Toyota Motor Philippines in Sta. Rosa, Laguna with technical seminars, product exhibitions and presentations. Seminars conducted were Energy Management and How to become a PEE?. There was also a video presentation on Electrical Safety.

It was attended by the following guests : (a) Laguna Vice Governor Dan Fernandez, (b) BEE Chairman Rodolfo Peñalosa, (c) BEE Member Rogelio Avenido, (d) 2002 IIEE National President Francis Mapile, (e) 2004 Region IV Governor Jose Jupiter Gonzales, (f) 2002 Region IV Governor Moises Fule, (g) 1996 Laguna Chapter President Gomer Carta, and (h) 2004 CLC VP-External Allan Alvarez.

The core group met CLC Officers
Kusina ni Eway in Paseo de Sta. Rosa was the venue wherein the officers of CLC met the core group of NLC on February 12, 2004. During this meeting which was initiated by NLC, the core group personally seek for the endorsement of the officers of CLC. Each member expressed his views and reasons on why they were forming a new chapter in Laguna. On the other hand, CLC officers expressed their reasons of not endorsing NLC during that time.

Also present during the meeting were; (1) Raymond Marquez – National Treasurer, (2) Jesus Redelosa – National Auditor, (3) Armando Diaz – Former Governor of Region IV, (4) Noriel Llanza – 1991 Laguna Chapter President and (5) Jeddfer de Castro – Former President of Cavite Chapter.

Formal Request

February 16, 2004, Larry Cruz personally delivered the formal written request of the core group for CLC’s endorsement to CLC President Jun Catalan in his office.

No to Endorsement

It was around 7:00 pm of February 27 when the core group learned from the National Office that CLC’s decision was not to endorse NLC through a resolution dated February 20, 2004 and was submitted to them on February 23.

NLC Launching
March 12, 2004, the 100th day since the countdown begun for the formation of NLC and the supposed launching day of the chapter was a memorable day to remember. Although the dream was not yet been realized, the core group pushed through with the plan of conducting a whole day of activities to further strengthen their bid for chapterhood.

Attending Mass at the Balibago Church in Sta. Rosa was the first activity of the day at 7:00 am. Next stop was the Sta. Rosa Municipal Hall wherein they met representatives from the Engineering Office for the implementation of RA 7920 and civic programs which the group intend to conduct in the town. The group also visited the Sta. Rosa Non-Formal Education School offering Building Wiring Installation and invited the students to attend the technical seminars at Panasonic Mobile Corporation of the Philippines.

The NLC Trade Exhibits opened at 9:00 am in Paseo de Sta. Rosa with exhibitors offering not only electrical products but as well as consumer items like books, toys and credit cards.

At 1:00 pm the technical seminar on Substation Preventive Maintenance started at Panasonic Mobile Corporation of the Philippines in Laguna Technopark with 2002 IIEE National President Francis Mapile as resource speaker.

A tribute to the electrical practitioners of the first district of Laguna dubbed “Banda Para sa Mga Inhinyero Elektrikal” followed later at 7:00 pm in Patio Bar & Restaurant. The proposed activities of the different committees on Student Affairs, RA7920 Implementation, Civic Affairs, Technical, Membership, Professional Development, Ways & Means were presented using power point by the core group.

NLC also hosted the Region IV Chapter President’s Meeting on the same occasion.

Other guests who attended the fellowship night who gave inspirational messages were: (1) Engr. Luzita Baccol, (2) Engr. Tom Mulingbayan, (3) Engr. Jupiter Gonzales, (4) Engr. Bobby Ocampo, (5) Engr. Moises Fule.

April 28 Agreement
Engr. Rod Ferrer called a meeting between the officers of CLC and the core group of NLC together with the other National Excom Members and former IIEE Governors of Region IV. During the meeting, the following were agreed upon:
Item 6 : As a resolution, CLC agreed to endorse NLC as a new chapter in Region IV based on the following conditions laid down by Engr. Ferrer:

1. NLC must have at least fifty (50) members aside from the roster of CLC.

2. Moratorium on recruitment of members from CLC to NLC for one year; and

3. Mr. Saavedra, former CLC President was instructed to turn over the documents of CLC during his term to Mr. Catalan, incumbent CLC President.

The Search for Star 50 Begins

As soon as the core group learned of the conditions, the search for the Star 50 of NLC begins:
The organizational meetings continued and interested members of NLC continue to come in, Enchanted Kingdom hosted the meeting on May 8, 2004, Gardenia Bakeries of the Philippines, Inc. on May 14 and LIIP Foods Corp. on July 2. As added treat to the members, Engr. Mandy Diaz of Fourlen Industrial Sales & Services lectured on Electrical Safety and Systematic Maintenance Approach.

Aside from the meetings done, Special Registration Day for the Star 50 were also conducted at Patio Bar & Restaurant in Paseo de Sta. Rosa wherein members of NLC brought their colleagues and friends to renew or apply for IIEE membership through NLC.

Dennis & Arnel proudly show the NLC Streamer at Paseo de Sta. Rosa

The Amazing 90

On July 16, 2004, new members of NLC was at 62, way above of the 50 requirement set by the April 28 Agreement. Together with the 31 IIEE members from different chapters who choose to transfer to NLC, the NLC membership was already 93, and they were called the Amazing 90.

Knowing that the conditions have already been met, a letter was sent to CLC seeking for the endorsement.

Silence

NLC did not receive any reply from CLC and the core group decided to meet Engr. Rodolfo N. Ferrer and seek for his assistance. On August 17, 2004, the group trooped to the office of Engr. Ferrer and reiterated their desire to have a new chapter and requested him to include it in the August 21 Board Meeting Agenda.

The Core Group with Engr. Ferrer and Engr. Raymond Marquez.

Approval of the Board

“D nlc was already indorse and approve by d board pls proceed 4 election of officers”.

This was the exact text message sent by 2004 IIEE Region IV Governor JJ Gonzales to Larry Cruz and Dennis Saavedra. This was later confirmed by President Ferrer to Engr. Dennis Saavedra the next day. It was the result of the August 21 Board Meeting.

The message was loud and clear, NLC is now a new chapter. The message was immediately relayed to all its jubilant members. The election was set on September 10, 2004, However, the election of officers at National Panasonic (Sta. Rosa , Laguna) was cancelled because Engr. Ferrer told Engr. Dennis Saavedra to postpone it until a meeting with CLC had been finished. Engr. Ferrer invited Engrs. Larry Cruz and Saavedra to a meeting with CLC representatives, namely: Engrs. Noriel Llanza, Jun Catalan and Robert Dolde on September 16 at Discovery Suite, Ortigas Center.

Power Sharing
During the meeting at Discovery Suite, CLC presented the following proposal:

“Power sharing – NLC core group will be given positions in the 2005 CLC Board during the election of CLC on September 25, 2004”

The Northern Laguna Core Members were not in favor and strongly object to this scheme as it will automatically institutionalize two factions within the Central Laguna Chapter and may further aggravate the situation and does not address the desire of the NLC core members to have a new mandate to be able to serve the new members better.

Letter to the Council of Former Presidents

In a letter dated September 24, 2004 to the Council of Former Presidents ,the Northern Laguna Core Members seek their assistance and insisted the April 28th gentlemen’s agreements to be implemented since NLC have already complied with the said requirements and believed that it was incumbent upon CLC to issue the endorsement and that the IIEE National Board of Governors must ensure an immediate compliance by CLC.

THE GOOD NEWS!

Endorsement Effective December 25

Finally, CLC gave an endorsement to NLC on October 7, 2004, however , the effectively shall take effect only on December 25, 2004 and upon accomplishment of some conditions set by the 2004 Board.

The Organizational Activities Continue

With the endorsement on hand, the group continued their organizational activities and communicated regularly to prepare the group in running the affairs of the new chapter.

NLC supported the Technical Conference of the Hotel Engineer’s Association of the Philippines, Inc. last October 15, 2004 at The Belleveu Hotel.

The core group at The Belleveu

Election

November 12, 2004 , NLC members elected their first set of officers done at the Max Restaurant in Balibago, Sta. Rosa City.

The 2005 NLC Officers are :

President - Larry C. Cruz

VP Internal Affairs - Dennis M. Saavedra

VP External Affairs - Arnel M. Punongbayan

VP Technical Affairs - Jozane F. Jalbuena

Secretary - John Eduard Bautista

Treasurer - Arnold B. Olila

Auditor - Ramsel V. Nañola

Directors :

- Ramil Vergara

- Nestor E. Tadeo

- Jerome Gorospe

- Danilo San Gabriel

- Honesto Estabillo

- Alejandro Valiente

- March D. Matienzo

- Jovino Perlas Jr.

Committee Members :

- Rudolf Vincoy

- Michael Tuazon

Larry and John casting their votes NLC members

Computerized Counting : The COMELEC ( Mandy Diaz & Flor Varona ) at work; with Julius Alayon tabulating the votes.

Ramsel & Francis dropping their ballots ; Arnold is still casting his vote while Michael is already busy on the phone.

As a nominated candidate, Jozane introduces himself while Vincoy waits for his turn.

Ramil and Jerome choosing their candidates

Arnel & Mandy lead the singing of IIEE Hymn

NLC – IIEE’s 78th Chapter

“The IIEE National Board of Governors, during its 2nd Regular Board Meeting held last 19 February 2005, approved the accreditation of IIEE – NORTHERN LAGUNA CHAPTER as the 78th Chapter of IIEE”