Meralco Power Academy: Investing in People, Powering the Future

‘Moving forward to the MPA’s next decade of thought leadership, we will focus on becoming the learning platform of choice for emerging and new technologies, curator of learning products, research and development services to advance the power industry. This is aligned with our advocacy of developing the talent pipeline and enabling a sustainable energy future.’ — Manuel V. Pangilinan, Meralco and Meralco Power Academy chairman

Maria Bernadette Romero·3 April 2025, 12:10 am

Meralco Power Academy: Investing in People, Powering the Future — Empowering future innovators. Seen in photo are representatives from STEM schools that participated in this year’s YESS with (top row, starting 7th from left to right) Meralco Power Academy President Nixon G. Hao, Meralco senior vice president and chief human resources officer Edgardo V. Carasig, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, and MPA executive director Ian Chester V. Colorina,
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MERALCO

The future of energy isn’t just about technology — it’s about people. As the world moves toward smarter and more sustainable power industry, the success of the transition depends on the individuals who will lead it.

Meralco Power Academy (MPA), the country’s premier energy education provider, is shaping that future by equipping professionals, students and industry leaders with the knowledge and expertise needed to drive energy innovation.

Backed by Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) 122 years of expertise in the energy industry, the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led institution continues to be a pioneer in energy education, setting the standard for training and thought leadership.

“A new energy era is dawning. The energy landscape is changing, driven by innovation and policy,” said Ronnie L. Aperocho, chief operating officer of Meralco and vice chairman of MPA.

“However, the success of this transition hinges not only on cutting-edge technology but also on human capital. Meralco Power Academy is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of this transformation — by empowering young minds, fostering an environment for global cooperation, and equipping professionals with cutting-edge expertise.”

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 program in July 2024. Seen in the photo are (from left) 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.

Nurturing the next generation of innovators

Through advocacy-focused programs, MPA has made significant strides in developing the next generation of energy professionals.

In a bid to unlock the potential of learners, the Young Engineers and Scientists Summit (YESS) brings together students from colleges and senior high schools for an annual learning symposium that will empower and inspire them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Further strengthening its advocacy for STEM education, MPA also conducts Power Camp and Power Camp Junior internship programs designed to introduce students to the energy industry. Through a six-week immersive program, participants engage in classroom discussions, leadership talks, mentoring sessions with Meralco professionals, and on-site visits to various facilities. For senior high school students, Power Camp Junior provides a forty-hour self-mastery program focused on understanding the energy sector and the challenges and opportunities it presents.

MPA is also taking its expertise global through international immersion programs, offering students a deeper understanding of the Philippine energy industry. Participants visit Meralco’s state-of-the-art facilities and key power sites such as wind and solar farms while also experiencing the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The Academy’s commitment to future energy solutions extends to its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program, which aims to build local capabilities for nuclear energy development. In July 2024, five Meralco engineers started their academic and internship training abroad. Currently in China and United States, the scholars are expected to return in 2028 to contribute to Meralco’s pilot nuclear energy project.

Recognizing industry excellence

The K-Ligtas Awards, launched in 2015, recognizes businesses and organizations that implement best practices in electrical safety and energy efficiency.

With support from the Department of Energy, the Department of Labor and Employment’s Occupational Safety and Health Center, the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Electrical Engineering, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, the program promotes a safer electrical environment across industries.

Hoya Lens Philippines, Digital Edge, Quantrics, and the Makati City Government are among the winners of the 2024 K-Ligtas Awards. They will be honored at an awarding ceremony on May 6, 2025, coinciding with the observance of Electrical Safety Month.

Integrating emerging technologies 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 within the Meralco Operating Center in Pasig, the two-storey facility features a smart grid set-up and a digital twin laboratory called the Powertech Innovation and eXperience Lab (PIXL).

By utilizing real-world data, PIXL enables virtual simulations of substations, allowing for real-time assessments and management. With advanced tools such as a virtual world rendering studio and metaverse integration, Power Tech R&D is bridging the gap between emerging technologies and industry competencies.

Leading key discussions towards energy security

Beyond education and training, MPA serves as a platform for thought leadership in the energy industry.

In its continuing pursuit towards a resilient energy future, MPA will bring together 500 participants including local and international industry leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions for this year’s much-anticipated Giga Summit. With the theme “The Fusion of Power and Intelligence” scheduled on 24 to 25 April in Makati City, the summit aims to open energy dialogues among global giants of sustainable power as well as discussions on nuclear energy as an alternative source of power. Day 2 outlines the transformative innovation and technology adoptions in the power industry, including AI.

In the first ever multi-day Giga Summit held in September 2023, MPA hosted 55 electric cooperatives to adopt best practices in energy management and advanced metering infrastructure. This initiative recognizes the critical role of cooperatives in driving change and improving service for communities.

With these initiatives in place, MPA is charting the path towards the development of a globally competitive and sustainable power industry.

“Moving forward to the MPA’s next decade of thought leadership, we will focus on becoming the learning platform of choice for emerging and new technologies, curator of learning products, research and development services to advance the power industry. This is aligned with our advocacy of developing the talent pipeline and enabling a sustainable energy future,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chief executive officer of Meralco and chairman of MPA.