The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led company has recently signed memoranda of understanding with prestigious institutions: Ontario Tech University in Canada, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in the United States, and China's Harbin Engineering University (HEU) and Tsinghua University.
These collaborations aim to accelerate Meralco’s nuclear energy drive, with a focus on developing advanced expertise and fostering innovation.
This initiative is a key part of Meralco's long-term strategy to explore nuclear energy as a sustainable and reliable power source for the Philippines.
By teaming up with these universities, Meralco seeks to deepen its understanding of nuclear technologies and ensure that their implementation aligns with government policies.
Partner-universities were selected by Meralco Power Academy, the energy education unit of Meralco, together with former dean of engineering of the University of the Philippines Dr. Aura Matias, and Filipino-Canadian scientist from the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. Dr. Ike Dimayuga.
Through MPA’s Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program, Meralco is sending Filipino engineers abroad for specialized training in nuclear engineering.
Scholars Gener Atienza, Amiela Nicodemus, Marc Ceria, Justin Salas, and Kenneth Tulagan are set to undergo rigorous programs in UIUC and HEU, respectively. Upon their return to the Philippines in 2028, they will be reintegrated into Meralco and be assigned to take on a role in its nuclear power generation unit.