The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, is taking a proactive role in building a highly skilled local workforce to power the country’s transition toward a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy system.
Speaking at the recent Inquirer Campus Talks event themed “Skilling the Workforce for the Future of the Power Industry,” Froilan J. Savet, Meralco’s First Vice President and Head of Networks, emphasized the urgency of preparing the next generation of professionals to meet the demands of an evolving energy landscape.
“The power grid is undergoing a major transformation—becoming smarter, more decentralized, and interactive. This shift requires a new breed of energy professionals with both technical expertise and strong soft skills,” Savet said.
He described how the energy sector is moving:
- From traditional to smart systems powered by sensors, smart meters, and artificial intelligence
- From centralized to distributed models with solar rooftops, microgrids, and community batteries
- From passive to interactive networks where consumers also act as energy producers or “prosumers”
Savet also highlighted the growing influence of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—all of which demand a more versatile and forward-thinking workforce.
To meet this challenge, Meralco is investing heavily in talent development, including:
- Sponsoring employees for advanced degrees and professional licenses
- Training over 180 individuals in data analytics and coding
- Benchmarking with global utilities and industry leaders
- Developing local capabilities through the PowerTech Smart Grid Laboratory
Additionally, through the Meralco Power Academy (MPA), the company launched the FISSION (Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering) program. This initiative sends Filipino scholars abroad to pursue advanced studies in nuclear energy, equipping them to become future leaders and innovators in the field.
“A career in the power sector is not just a job—it’s a mission to change lives. This is the kind of work that builds not just careers, but a nation,” Savet remarked.
The Inquirer Campus Talks brought together students and young professionals to discuss the future of the energy industry and their vital role in shaping it. Meralco’s active participation in the event reflects its broader commitment to inspiring and empowering the next generation of energy leaders.
As the Philippines advances toward a more sustainable energy future, Meralco remains at the forefront—championing innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth.| – TheMetroTimes.ph
