Meralco Power Academy (MPA), the energy education arm of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), is strengthening the country’s engineering and science talent pipeline as it expands its footprint in the Visayas and Mindanao. Through strategic academic partnerships and youth-focused initiatives, MPA aims to empower island regions to play a bigger role in advancing a secure and sustainable energy future for the Philippines.
Strengthening Engineering Education in Cebu
In October 2025, MPA formalized new collaborations with two of Cebu’s leading engineering institutions—the University of San Carlos (USC) and Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT University)—to better align academic training with the evolving needs of the energy sector.
The partnership with USC, signed on October 27, 2025, covers training programs, sustainability-focused research initiatives, and industry immersion opportunities. USC President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD said the collaboration represents a shared investment in innovation, energy security, and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, the agreement with CIT University, signed on October 24, 2025, focuses on workshops, knowledge-sharing activities, and practical exposure designed to prepare engineering students for careers in the power and energy industry.
“These partnerships underscore our commitment to building a strong pipeline of industry-ready professionals in the Visayas,” said MPA Executive Director Ian Chester V. Colorina. “By combining academic rigor with industry expertise, we aim to produce graduates who are not just job-ready, but future-ready.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Beyond higher education, MPA is also investing in the early development of future scientists and engineers through the Young Engineers and Scientists Summit (YESS).
The Visayas leg of YESS was held on October 8, 2025, at the Innovation Center of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) in Iloilo, gathering 90 outstanding students from Philippine Science High School, Angelicum School Iloilo, and Leganes National High School.
MGEN President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio emphasized the importance of nurturing future innovators in the power industry, as students participated in panel discussions and talks on purpose-driven careers, innovation frameworks, and opportunities in the energy sector. A highlight of the event was the keynote address of Filipino inventor Mark Kennedy Bantugon, who shared his journey in developing Pili Seal, a sustainable aircraft sealant, underscoring how innovation anchored on purpose can create lasting impact.
The Iloilo summit also marked a milestone under MPA’s collaboration with MGEN to establish a Center for Innovation in the Visayas.
Expanding Youth Engagement in Mindanao
MPA brought YESS 2025 to Iligan City on November 7, 2025, in partnership with the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). Nearly a thousand junior and senior high school students from various public and private schools across Iligan attended the half-day summit at the MSU-IIT Gymnasium.
MSU-IIT Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan urged students to fuel their passion as they build a future not only for themselves but for the nation. The program featured talks on resilience, innovation with purpose, and career pathways in the power industry. One of the speakers, Jun Cabalhug—an MSU-IIT alumnus now working at Meralco—shared his journey from aspiring student to energy professional, highlighting the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning.
An interactive panel discussion capped the event, allowing students to engage directly with speakers and explore future possibilities in science, engineering, and energy innovation.
Building a Sustainable Energy Talent Pipeline
MPA’s initiatives reflect a unified vision: to develop a strong, innovative, and sustainable energy workforce for the Philippines. By bridging academia, industry, and youth engagement, MPA is not only expanding its presence in the Visayas and Mindanao but also laying the groundwork for a future where Filipino engineers and scientists lead in energy innovation and sustainability.