BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Meralco Power Academy: Investing In People, Shaping The Future Of Energy
FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE. Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan (5th from left) introduced to the public the scholars under the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program in July 2024. Seen in the photo are: (L-R) Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer and Head Edgardo V. Carasig; Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho; FISSION scholars Gener Atienza, Kenneth Tulagan, Ami Nicodemus, Justin Salas, and Marc Ceria; Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet, and Meralco PowerGen Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio. Contributed Photo
The future of energy isn’t just about cutting-edge technology—it’s about the people driving the change. As the world moves toward a smarter and more sustainable power industry, success depends on the individuals leading the charge.
Enter Meralco Power Academy (MPA)—the country’s premier energy education provider. Backed by 122 years of expertise from the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), this Manuel V. Pangilinan-led institution is shaping the next generation of energy professionals, industry leaders, and innovators.
According to Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco’s Chief Operating Officer and MPA Vice Chairman, “A new energy era is dawning. The energy landscape is changing, driven by innovation and policy. However, the success of this transition hinges not only on cutting-edge technology but also on human capital.”
And MPA is making sure that human capital is ready.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
MPA isn’t just about classrooms and lectures—it’s about hands-on experience and real-world impact.
One of its flagship programs, the Young Engineers and Scientists Summit (YESS), gathers students from colleges and senior high schools for an annual learning symposium, sparking their passion for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Taking things further, MPA runs the Power Camp and Power Camp Junior internship programs, where students experience six weeks of immersive learning—classroom discussions, leadership talks, mentoring sessions with Meralco professionals, and on-site visits to energy facilities.
And it’s not just local. MPA is taking its expertise global through international immersion programs, giving students firsthand experience in Meralco’s cutting-edge facilities, including visits to wind and solar farms, while also exploring the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage.
Building the Future of Nuclear Energy
MPA is also pushing boundaries with its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program.
Launched in July 2024, this initiative sends Meralco engineers for academic and internship training abroad, equipping them with expertise in nuclear energy. Currently training in China and the United States, these scholars are expected to return in 2028 to contribute to Meralco’s pilot nuclear energy project—a major step toward diversifying the country’s energy sources.
Recognizing Industry Leaders in Energy Efficiency
MPA doesn’t just train future professionals—it also celebrates industry excellence.
The K-Ligtas Awards, established in 2015, recognizes businesses and organizations excelling in electrical safety and energy efficiency. With support from key government agencies, this initiative promotes safer, more efficient energy practices across industries.
Among the 2024 awardees are Hoya Lens Philippines, Digital Edge, Quantrics, and the Makati City Government, with the official awarding set for May 6, 2025, in time for Electrical Safety Month.
Pioneering Innovation in Power Distribution
At the heart of MPA’s innovation efforts is Power Tech R&D—the first research and development facility of its kind in the Philippines.
Located in Pasig City, this facility features a smart grid setup and the Powertech Innovation and eXperience Lab (PIXL)—a digital twin laboratory that enables virtual simulations of power distribution operations.
With real-time assessments, metaverse integration, and advanced data analytics, Power Tech R&D is paving the way for smarter, more efficient energy solutions.
Shaping Energy Discussions on a Global Scale
Beyond training and research, MPA is also a key player in global energy discussions.
This year, MPA is set to host its much-anticipated Giga Summit on April 24-25 in Makati City. With the theme “The Fusion of Power and Intelligence,” the event will bring together 500 industry leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions to explore topics like nuclear energy, AI in power distribution, and emerging technologies in energy management.
The Giga Summit has already made a significant impact. In 2023, it brought together 55 electric cooperatives, sharing best practices in energy management and advanced metering infrastructure—a crucial step toward improving energy services for communities.
Powering the Nation’s Future
With its relentless commitment to education, innovation, and industry leadership, Meralco Power Academy is not just investing in people—it’s investing in the future of power itself.
As Meralco CEO and MPA Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan puts it:
“We are in the business of nation-building. The Academy’s work is more than just an investment in education; it is an investment in the future of power itself.”
And with MPA leading the charge, that future looks brighter than ever.
Enter Meralco Power Academy (MPA)—the country’s premier energy education provider. Backed by 122 years of expertise from the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), this Manuel V. Pangilinan-led institution is shaping the next generation of energy professionals, industry leaders, and innovators.
According to Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco’s Chief Operating Officer and MPA Vice Chairman, “A new energy era is dawning. The energy landscape is changing, driven by innovation and policy. However, the success of this transition hinges not only on cutting-edge technology but also on human capital.”
And MPA is making sure that human capital is ready.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
MPA isn’t just about classrooms and lectures—it’s about hands-on experience and real-world impact.
One of its flagship programs, the Young Engineers and Scientists Summit (YESS), gathers students from colleges and senior high schools for an annual learning symposium, sparking their passion for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Taking things further, MPA runs the Power Camp and Power Camp Junior internship programs, where students experience six weeks of immersive learning—classroom discussions, leadership talks, mentoring sessions with Meralco professionals, and on-site visits to energy facilities.
And it’s not just local. MPA is taking its expertise global through international immersion programs, giving students firsthand experience in Meralco’s cutting-edge facilities, including visits to wind and solar farms, while also exploring the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage.
Building the Future of Nuclear Energy
MPA is also pushing boundaries with its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program.
Launched in July 2024, this initiative sends Meralco engineers for academic and internship training abroad, equipping them with expertise in nuclear energy. Currently training in China and the United States, these scholars are expected to return in 2028 to contribute to Meralco’s pilot nuclear energy project—a major step toward diversifying the country’s energy sources.
Recognizing Industry Leaders in Energy Efficiency
MPA doesn’t just train future professionals—it also celebrates industry excellence.
The K-Ligtas Awards, established in 2015, recognizes businesses and organizations excelling in electrical safety and energy efficiency. With support from key government agencies, this initiative promotes safer, more efficient energy practices across industries.
Among the 2024 awardees are Hoya Lens Philippines, Digital Edge, Quantrics, and the Makati City Government, with the official awarding set for May 6, 2025, in time for Electrical Safety Month.
Pioneering Innovation in Power Distribution
At the heart of MPA’s innovation efforts is Power Tech R&D—the first research and development facility of its kind in the Philippines.
Located in Pasig City, this facility features a smart grid setup and the Powertech Innovation and eXperience Lab (PIXL)—a digital twin laboratory that enables virtual simulations of power distribution operations.
With real-time assessments, metaverse integration, and advanced data analytics, Power Tech R&D is paving the way for smarter, more efficient energy solutions.
Shaping Energy Discussions on a Global Scale
Beyond training and research, MPA is also a key player in global energy discussions.
This year, MPA is set to host its much-anticipated Giga Summit on April 24-25 in Makati City. With the theme “The Fusion of Power and Intelligence,” the event will bring together 500 industry leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions to explore topics like nuclear energy, AI in power distribution, and emerging technologies in energy management.
The Giga Summit has already made a significant impact. In 2023, it brought together 55 electric cooperatives, sharing best practices in energy management and advanced metering infrastructure—a crucial step toward improving energy services for communities.
Powering the Nation’s Future
With its relentless commitment to education, innovation, and industry leadership, Meralco Power Academy is not just investing in people—it’s investing in the future of power itself.
As Meralco CEO and MPA Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan puts it:
“We are in the business of nation-building. The Academy’s work is more than just an investment in education; it is an investment in the future of power itself.”
And with MPA leading the charge, that future looks brighter than ever.
Apr 3, 2025
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