current vol 1.2Spotted in the newest issue of Current are Carlo Vega and Chip Vega, Power Economics and Trading head and Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Policy officer, respectively, at First Gen Corporation. With academicians and scientists for parents, it’s no wonder both brothers—holders of BS Economics degrees—dedicated themselves to teaching at their alma mater University of the Philippines Los Baños before joining First Gen.

Corporate Communications’ Niña Terol-Zialcita and Hazel Velasco sat down with the brothers Vega to find out what makes them tick.

Excerpts:

How did you get started in First Gen?

Carlo: Chip had an internship here; I had zero connection. After my MBA, my goal was that I would be in an industry I’d be very good at. At first what attracted me was that First Gen’s leaders were very young. But what made me stick is that…the training and the education that I got from working here, from 2006 until today. [I feel like I want] to give back. I’ve learned so much about the industry because I was with First Gen. That’s why I feel that part of paying back would be to serve the company for a very long time.

You’re also working on a lot of things that matter a lot to the industry…

Chip: I would say so. I was involved in the work done by the National Renewable Energy Board Technical Working Group helping get the feed-in-tariff system implemented. For the marketing part, my involvement has been to assist in providing our customers with customerneed- specific services that can potentially improve their systems and d i s c u s s with them renewable e n e r g y policy-related concerns.

…Who are your mentors at First Gen?

Carlo: I feel very fortunate being in First Gen because from the time that Sir Peter (Peter Garrucho) was the CEO, I considered him someone that I looked up to already… I started my real regulatory power economics training with [First Gen chairman and CEO Federico R. Lopez]. Dennis (Gonzales) and Arman (Lapus) are people I look up to as mentors, as people to consult on everything with the power industry. My mentors also include Ricky (Tantoco), Giles (Puno), JR (Jon Russell) and EBP (Ernie Pantangco)—presenting to (and getting grilled and challenged) by the First Gen ExeCom has always been a learning experience for me. Ang dami na (There’s been a lot). Tapos siyempre (Of course), my boss Lito (Santos)…Kokoy Villegas is also on my list—I cannot forget. Kokoy, Dennis…these are the mainstays—they’re institutions already in First Gen.

Carlo Vega (right) joined First Gen in 2006; his younger brother Chip followed six years laterChip: With the limited time that I’ve been with the company, I’d say that I’ve been mentored by the likes of Al Santos, Edwin CoSeteng and Kokoy Villegas.

What is your mission while you’re in First Gen?

Carlo: Our mission is to be the best of the best—experts in our respective areas in the power industry.

Chip: It’s being the best in anything we do.

To read more, get your copy of Current vol. 1.2 at FPH Corp Comm, tel. no. 449-6121.