“We improvise materials to start-up the downed equipment,” said Terlaje, who was named as one of the employees of this month as part of CUC’s efforts to recognize its outstanding workers.
It was his first time to receive such recognition, Terlaje told Variety, as he attributed his accomplishments to team effort and the support of the division’s management.
Terlaje said he was supported by his crew — Clarence Tagabuel and Mike Sablan — in accomplishing their tasks in the Agingan area.
Mariano Iglecias, CUC water and wastewater division operation manager, said the crew at the Agingan treatment plant was able to think of a way to replace a broken pump.
Iglecias said procurement of a new pump would have taken a lot of time and money, but Terlaje and his crew were able to modify and operate an old pump sitting in the warehouse for five years now.
Through the guidance of Gus Camacho, the wastewater operation manager, the Agingan plant crew successfully installed the pump, Iglecias said.
Another team lead by Ray Santos was also recognized for protecting the community from harmful sewer materials.
Santos and his team — Jarvistin Kukkun, Luke Chanher and Jeff Reye — worked around the clocked to fix the lift station in Garapan.
Iglecias said the Garapan lift station was broken due to a severe check valve leak.
As a result, residents and businesses within the area experienced sewer backflow in their toilets and washing areas.
The crew, Iglecias said, worked around the clock to modify the pump connection and put back the lift station in operation.
“Working in a lift station is no easy job — it involves exposing yourself to raw sewer and hazardous gas emissions but the guys, selfishly worked around these hazards to be of service to the community,” he said.
Alan Lebria, CUC water division distribution manager, was named Employee of the Year 2008.
Iglecias said the water and wastewater division faces many challenges but is still able to accomplish lot of things.
He said the division initiated the recognition program to encourage and motivate personnel and uplift their morale despite difficulties in their work assignment.
