Meralco’s MPA, Cebu universities ink MOUs to boost energy education

Meralco Power Academy (MPA), the energy education unit of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has formalized new academic collaborations in Cebu through the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with two of the region’s prominent engineering institutions—the University of San Carlos (USC) and Cebu Institute of Technology University (CIT University).

These partnerships mark a significant step in MPA’s expansion in the Visayas, underscoring its dedication to equipping the next generation of engineers with the technical expertise and industry-ready skills required by the rapidly evolving energy sector.

Partnership’s transformative potential

Through an agreement signed on Oct. 27, 2025, MPA and USC are set to implement joint training programs, research initiatives aligned with energy and sustainability goals, and industry immersion opportunities that aim to strengthen academic-industry linkages, Meralco explained in a press statement.

USC President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph. D; MPA executive director Ian Chester V. Colorina, MPA director for advocacy and communication Kathleen Kristy D. Dorico, and USC Dean of School of Engineering Dr. Rosana J. Ferolin present the newly signed MOU. | Contributed photo

USC president  Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership.

“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,” Fr. Estepa was quoted in the statement as saying. “This alliance is more than an agreement; it is a shared investment in innovation, energy security, and the overall sustainable development of our nation.” 

Advance practical energy training

Signed on Oct. 24, 2025, MPA’s agreement with CIT University focuses on empowering engineering students through workshops, knowledge-sharing activities, and practical exposure to the energy industry. 

The initiative aims to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving technical and operational demands of the sector.

With this collaboration, MPA continues to broaden its reach in the Visayas as it champions innovation, sustainability, and excellence in engineering education across the country.

From left: CIT University Dean of College of Engineering and Architecture Dr. Evangeline Evangelista; CIT University VP for Academic Affairs Atty. Corazon Evangelista-Valencia; MPA executive director Ian Chester V. Colorina; MPA director for advocacy and communication Kathleen Kristy D. Dorico, and Meralco PowerGen human resources and admin head Sherie Madonna Diaz. ​| Contributed photo   (Click to view full image)

Building an energy-ready workforce

MPA executive director Ian Chester V. Colorina said the new partnerships highlight the Academy’s commitment to shaping competent, future-ready talent in the region.

“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,” Colorina said.

These alliances further solidify MPA’s role in bridging the gap between academic training and real-world energy industry needs, helping ensure that the Philippines’ future engineers are equipped to support the nation’s long-term energy goals.  —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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