Wednesday, January 17, 2007 Speak out: In praise of Veco By Dr. Bebs Tibon-Isok Professor, CNU
I HAD good memories of service and very high regard for the people and government in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia when I took a scholarship training in Queensland University of Technology–Kelvin Grove Campus in the late ‘90s.
I observed that every problem that cropped up was answered right away.
It is sad to talk about this here in our place, but I am not desperate and hopeless.
Drainage problem
Once, we had a drainage problem caused by people that carelessly and senselessly let loose sewage and refuse unto our tenement.
My father (now deceased) used to position himself by the catch basin to de-clog it so water flow wouldn’t be obstructed.
He did this even in the wee hours of the night for many years.
We weren’t sleeping on the problem; we merely waited patiently for those concerned to act.
Finally, we lifted our fingers.
I took the problem to the mayor and suggested solutions.
It ended with the construction of a blind drainage partly funded by the local government unit but with the bigger cost shouldered by us.
Problem solved? No, not yet.
A big firm blocked the drainage work, but who would deal with it?
I am referring to the Visayan Electric Co. (Veco).
I did not know much about Veco and which office to go to.
I went to the SM City Cebu office first, to D. Jakosalem St., to Mango Ave. and to the Veco Engineering Center in Banilad, Cebu City.
I went to the engineering center at around 10 a.m. of April 21, 2005 and was referred to Engr. Art Lambo, who scheduled an ocular inspection at 1 p.m.
I went to a mall before going home and to my surprise Engr. Lambo was already in our place.
Meanwhile, Engr. Raul Lucero, Veco vice president for engineering, and Engr. Julius Algabre, were finalizing the drainage plans.
Cutting the story short, construction of the drainage immediately started, was completed and it is now functioning.
Electric posts
But that's not the end of the story.
I also asked Veco to transfer three concrete electric poles, one near the passage to our residence and the other two blocking the road-right-of-way in a separate property.
After the requirements were complied, that, too, was done.
Lately, a hollow metal pole was set up inside Veco walls in front of our house.
Residents feared it would topple down during a fortuitous event.
Again I went to Veco office but three weeks passed and nothing happened.
I went to the assistant vice president (AVP) for engineering to ask for an explanation.
Explanation
I was, however, welcomed graciously and accommodated well.
He explained that the pole was needed to improve power service and was designed to withstand strong winds.
Anyway, to assuage our fears, wires were installed to further secure the pole and ensure that if ever it falls it would only be inside the Veco property.
Three days before Christmas, Veco sent a written explanation that I took as a gesture of earnestness to justify the setting up of the pole.
The sincerity, humane approach, humility and transparency of the AVP for engineering were comforting. A salute to you, Engr. Val Saludes III.
One more.
Lighting at the Veco substation here in Consolacion has been improved, so that we are now partaking of it---safer evening walk on a well-lit pathway.
Passion for service lives and is evident in Veco people.
