The distribution business group of Aboitiz Power Corp. strengthened its long-standing relationships with universities in Visayas and Mindanao to boost industry-based research and prepare the talent pipeline of electrical engineers.
AboitizPower, through its distribution utilities, signed memoranda of agreement (MOA) and memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, the University of Mindanao, Notre Dame University, University of San Jose-Recoletos and Cebu Institute of Technology – University in the latter part of 2023.
These agreements formalize a long-established scholarship program for electrical engineering students, which includes the offering of employment opportunities to deserving graduates.
“Our collaboration is a testament to our belief in the power of education, research and technological advancement. By pooling our resources, expertise and aspirations, we aim to catalyze change, not just in the energy sector, but in the lives of the people we serve,” said AboitizPower Distribution Utilities chief operating officer Anton Perdices.
“Our vision for [these] partnership[s] extends far beyond training and scholarships. It’s about fostering a generation of engineers equipped with knowledge, practical experience, and an innovative spirit,” he said. “This initiative not only promotes academic excellence but also cultivates a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the energy sector’s growth.”
The strengthening of such partnerships with universities draws inspiration from the distribution business group’s goal of empowering the growth of the cities and communities it serves beyond the provision of a reliable and cost-effective electricity supply.
A Philippine Power Industry HR Forum presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. and AboitizPower indicated that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited talent pool, and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the Philippine energy sector.
