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.

These partnerships reinforce MPA’s expansion in the Visayas and highlight its commitment to developing a future-ready engineering workforce equipped with technical competence and industry aligned skills.

Under the agreement signed on October 27, 2025, MPA and USC will introduce joint training programs, research initiatives focused on energy and sustainability, and immersion opportunities designed to strengthen academic and industry collaboration.

“By combining USC’s rigorous academic foundation with MPA’s cutting edge industry expertise, the University is ensuring that its graduates are not just job ready but future ready. This alliance is more than an agreement; it is a shared investment in innovation, energy security, and the overall sustainable development of our nation,” USC President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD said during the signing ceremony.

On October 24, 2025, MPA also sealed an agreement with CIT University to support engineering education through specialized programs, skills development activities, and practical exposure to the energy sector. The partnership aims to prepare students for emerging industry demands and strengthen their readiness for the evolving energy landscape.

“These partnerships underscore our commitment to building a strong pipeline of industry ready professionals in the Visayas region. By working closely with leading academic institutions, we aim to provide students with hands on learning experiences that prepare them for the evolving demands of the energy sector,” MPA Executive Director Ian Chester V. Colorina said.

With its continued collaborations, MPA aims to advance innovation and excellence in engineering education across the country.