Utility giant Manila Electric Co. has awarded 18 female college students from different universities with scholarship grants to help them pursue their dreams of becoming professional electrical engineers.

The scholarship will cover the expenses of the selected junior Electrical Engineering students from the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines Diliman and Los Baños.

In particular, the Meralco scholars will receive allowances for food, transportation, Internet connectivity, and books as well as financial assistance for their review and board examination in their final year of studies. They will also have the opportunity to undertake their internship in Meralco, and eventually explore career opportunities with the power distributor upon graduating.

"These investments on the education of women and helping them realize their full potential are the beginnings that will shape an energy industry that is inclusive," One Meralco president Jeffrey O. Tarayao, who is also the Meralco Chief CSR Officer, said during the awarding ceremonies.

He added that the chosen students have the responsibility to be an inspiration to their families, classmates, and teachers, and to the many women who are seeking to develop their full potentials and to become leaders of the society.