Napocor to assist displaced workers find new jobs

The National Power Corp. (Napocor) will assist its displaced empoyees look for new jobs, a top company official said.

Napocor president and CEO Rogelio M. Murga said the company will offer the services of its engineers and technical personnel to new power plant owners as well as power generation companies outside the Philippines.

He said this would be appropriate as the privatization of the power firm’s generation assets progresses.

Murga said the definite sale of Napocor’s plants has compelled officials of the state-owned power firm to explore other opportunities that would benefit its workforce.

"We have decided to package our technical services for contracting, particularly to the buyers of hydro, thermal, geothermal, coal, natural gas and diesel plants. Our people are more than capable of handling these services. It would be a waste to just let them go when Napocor is finally privatized. This way, we can provide our employees a chance to engage in a more lucrative venture," Murga said.

The Power Engineering Services (PES) offered by Napocor include management and technical support in various fields related to the planning, building, operating and repair/rehabilitation of energy generation resources.

The PES can also carry out fabrication works and special projects. At present, the PES can mobilize over 3,000 current and former Napocor employees to service contracted agreements with local and foreign energy generation companies.

Murga said the PES is geared to be an independent group that would provide manpower and engineering services for power generation projects.

"This service offering is available to all energy companies anywhere in the world, since the PES is able to ramp up manpower numbers quite easily from the abundant labor supply in the Philippines, and train new workers adequately before they are deployed," Murga said.