Perez bares new DOE appointments

The Department of Energy (DOE) moved a step closer towards completing its reorganization yesterday with the appointments of new bureau directors and heads of senior department services.

Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez said the new directors are Ranilo P. Abando for Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB); Teresita M. Borra, Energy Utilization and Management Bureau (EUMB): Chrysanthus S. Heruela, Electric Power Industry Administration Bureau (EPIAB); Zenaida Y. Monsada, Oil Industry Administration, Bureau (OIAB) and Elizabeth G. Navalta, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau (EPPB).

Perez said the DOE also appointed new service directors. These are Loreta G. Ayson (administrative services); Arturo V. Baloalao (legal services); Raquel S. Huliganga (energy research testing and laboratory services); and Manuel L. Ocampo) information technology and management services).

According to Perez, the Department has also appointed new assistant directors. These are: Edito S. Barcelona (EPPB); Ma. Corazon M. Boaqiuña (OIAB); Mylene C. Capongcol (EPIAB); Mario C. Marasigan (EUMB); Ramon Allan V. Oca (ERDB).

In August last year, President Arroyo signed Administrative Order No. 38 that provides for the institutional strengthening of the DOE by redefining the functions and services of its bureau, service units and offices in order to meet the challenges of a deregulated energy sector.

In issuing AO 38, Mrs. Arroyo noted that the enactment of major structural and policy reforms such as Republic Act (RA) 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, RA 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and most recently RA 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 have expanded the roles and functions of the DOE.

The AO also called for the creation of two new bureaus–the OIAB and EPIAB–to focus on the two major industries–oil and power.

A Consumer Welfare Promotion Office (CWPO) has also been set up to formulate and implement policies, plans, and programs for consumer information, welfare promotion, empowerment and protection.– Donnabelle Gatdula