In his 29 years in the power generation industry — eight of them at Therma Visayas in Toledo City, Cebu — Nilo Lumbaca, 56, has always been motivated by family.

“Outside of work, I really value spending quality time with my family. Being with them recharges me and gives me the motivation to bring my best to work,” said the seasoned mechanical engineer. As shift manager, Nilo ensures safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

This Christmas and New Year, Nilo and his Operations Team will work in shifts, giving up moments with loved ones to keep the lights on. “It’s missing the chance to celebrate and relax together,” he said.

Still, duty calls. “In power generation, a moment’s inattention can affect equipment, production, and people. Safety and reliability don’t pause for the holidays,” Nilo explained. He oversees a coal dome facility and two power units with advanced technology to minimize coal dust emissions — but for him, people remain the most important resource.

“The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that while technology evolves, human safety and communication remain non- negotiable priorities,” he shared.

Away for the holidays

For King Joshua Arzadon, 25, the season looks different. From his hometown in Benguet, he traveled to Negros Island, where he serves as grid supervisor for AboitizPower’s San Carlos Sun Power and Calatrava solar projects.

Registered Electrical Engineer Licensure Exam and started his career at AboitizPower’s National Operations Control Center (NOCC) in Benguet, monitoring hydropower and solar facilities nationwide.

This Christmas, he’ll celebrate Noche Buena with colleagues rather than family. “Holidays are about family and joy, but these moments will be shared with team members working through the season,” he said.

Being away isn’t new — his NOCC experience prepared him — and his purpose is clear. “The season isn’t complete without electricity for lights, dinners, and calls from loved ones. I hope for a country where every household has reliable power.”

King plans to make it up to his family later, returning home to Benguet to catch up on precious time.

Keeping the community powered

For Gibson M. Yarte, service runs deep. Growing up in North Cotabato, he learned hard work, humility, and helping others — principles he now applies as a gang supervisor at Davao Light, leading crews to safely install, maintain, and restore electric distribution lines.

Davao Light, an AboitizPower distribution utility, serves Davao and Panabo cities and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas.

“I’ll be on duty this holiday season,” Gibson said. “Electricity powers every celebration — from meals to community events — and it’s fulfilling to know our work keeps the holidays bright.”

The personal cost is missing family traditions. “I love my family, and they keep me grounded. But I accept this responsibility knowing others can enjoy their celebrations safely.”

The lights on at all times

At Balamban Enerzone in Cebu, Rolando Bebelone, 29, is also on duty. As a system operations and substation engineer, he monitors two substations to ensure reliable power for commercial, industrial, and retail customers.

Rolando loves technology and problem- solving. “If unscheduled interruptions happen, we respond immediately,” he said. Though close to home, he remains on call, making his holiday plans uncertain.

“We prioritize customers during emergencies. Keeping the lights on is our job. I may not celebrate in person with my family, but video calls still make it meaningful,” he said.

This holiday season, Nilo, King, Gibson, Rolando, and thousands of others keep the lights on across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Their dedication, often unseen, is one of the most generous gifts Filipinos receive.