Dr. Ortiz joined the other pillars of the energy industry– Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez Jr., Napocor president Rogelio Murga and PSALM president Edgardo del Fonso – in a special ceremony hosted by AmCham and Mirant at the Makati Shangri-La last April 28.
Amcham president George P. Henefeld lauded the four leaders for their able leadership and reliable partnership with the private sector in the country’s efforts to pursue much needed reforms in the power sector.
Ortiz, in his response, said he is honored to be part of the energy industry and serve together with Murga and Del Fonso under the stewardship of Perez.
"My job is to ensure that electricity travels from Point A to Point B despite problems with security particularly in Mindanao. I am here to ensure that every Filipino receives that kilowatt of electricity needed to fuel economic growth," Ortiz said.
He also praised Transco officials and employees. "With Transco, I have found good people, good professionals who love to work and like to be pointed in the right direction," he said.
Dr. Ortiz also enjoined the private sector to continue to share with Filipinos their technology, resources, and expertise to make sure that electricity in the country flows continuously.
The affair was attended by more than a hundred power industry players and other noted figures including former President Fidel V. Ramos who was credited for having led the country out of a crippling power crisis in the early 1990s. US Ambassador to the Philippines Francis Ricciardone was also present.
AmCham is a private, independent and non-profit association affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce of the USA and the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers. It serves the needs and wants of US business through the participation of members in promoting their long-term objectives, while contributing to the civic and economic development of the Philippines.
Mirant Philippines is one of the biggest independent power producers in the country. It operates the 1,200MW Sual coal-fired plant in Pangasinan and the 600MW Pagbilao coal plant in Quezon plus a host of smaller plants across the country. – Donnabelle Gatdula