A joint training facility established by Aboitiz Power Corp. and Japan’s JERA Co. Inc. graduated its first 37 engineers and technical professionals on Monday, marking a milestone in the partnership’s effort to develop a globally competitive energy workforce.

The Global Technical Center of Excellence (GTCOE), located at the LIMA Estate in Batangas, completed two inaugural programs following its launch in September 2025. The center serves as a regional hub for training talent in the power generation industry.

JERA, through its subsidiary JERA Asia, holds a 27 percent stake in AboitizPower.

The center’s three-month Operations and Maintenance Basic Training Program graduated 18 trainees, including 12 Filipinos and six Japanese professionals. The curriculum covered safety, plant systems and maintenance, with specialized modules on liquefied natural gas and battery energy storage systems.

Trainees participated in hands-on simulator training and site activities at the GNPower Mariveles Energy Center and GNPower Dinginin facilities in Bataan.

Jhanrod Jobell Enoc, a Filipino engineer from Samal Island, Davao, earned the highest distinction in the three-month program. In his valedictory speech, Enoc said his motivation stemmed from the chronic power reliability issues in his hometown.

“Our island has been in a state of calamity due to an unreliable power supply since 2016,” Enoc said. “I knew I had to act instead of simply complain. I want to be part of the solution.”

A separate three-week Advanced Global Start-Up Trainee Program certified 19 additional professionals, consisting of 18 Japanese trainees and one Filipino.

Hideaki Oana, JERA Philippines chief technical officer, said the graduation demonstrates the strength of the JERA-AboitizPower partnership.

“Through GTCOE, we are investing in people who will shape a reliable and sustainable future for power generation,” Oana said.

GTCOE director Mayshelle Rosario added that the program symbolizes “mutual learning and the strengthening of ties between Japan and the Philippines.”