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Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the Philippines' largest private electric distribution utility, is taking the lead in preparing a skilled local workforce for the energy industry of tomorrow. The company's commitment to building a future-ready distribution system was a key theme at a recent Inquirer Campus Talks event, where Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks, Froilan J. Savet, spoke about the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Adapting to a Changing Grid

Savet emphasized the urgency of preparing for a smarter, cleaner, and more secure energy future. The energy grid is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a traditional model to one that is more dynamic and technologically advanced. This includes the move toward smart grids, which are powered by sensors, smart meters, and artificial intelligence, offering real-time visibility and control. There is also a shift toward distributed energy, with the rise of solar rooftops, microgrids, and community batteries decentralizing power generation. The role of consumers is evolving, too, as they become "prosumers" who both consume and produce energy, for instance, by selling excess solar power back to the grid. With the growing adoption of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the demand for a diverse workforce with both technical and soft skills is more critical than ever.

Meralco's Investment in Talent

Meralco isn't just talking about the future; it's actively investing in it through various talent development initiatives. The company is sponsoring employees for advanced degrees and professional licenses, training over 180 individuals in data analytics and coding, benchmarking with global utilities and industry leaders to stay ahead of the curve, and building local capability through its PowerTech Smart Grid Lab. Through the Meralco Power Academy (MPA), the company also launched the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program, which sends Filipino scholars abroad to train as the next generation of innovators in nuclear energy. As Savet noted, "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.” Meralco's active participation in events like the Inquirer Campus Talks highlights its broader mission to inspire and empower the next generation of energy leaders, championing innovation and collaborative growth for a cleaner and more resilient energy future for the Philippines.