Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the country’s largest private electric distribution utility, stands as a champion of building skilled local workforce that is critical in the development of a future-ready distribution system.
During a recent Inquirer Campus Talks themed “Skilling the Workforce for the Future of the Power Industry,” Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet emphasized the urgency of preparing for a smarter, cleaner, and more secure energy future.
The Meralco executive highlighted the transformation of the energy grid—from traditional to smart powered by sensors, smart meters and artificial intelligence to gain real-time visibility and control; from centralized to distributed with solar rooftops, microgrids and community batteries; and from passive to interactive where consumers become “prosumers.”
With the rise of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Savet underscored the need for a diverse and skilled workforce equipped with both technical and soft skills.
To meet this challenge, Meralco has ongoing talent development efforts, 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, and building local capability through its PowerTech Smart Grid Lab.
The company, through Meralco Power Academy (MPA), also introduced the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program which sends Filipino scholars abroad to become the next generation of strong innovators in the field of nuclear energy.
“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 said.
The latest Inquirer Campus Talks gathered students and young professionals to explore the evolving landscape of the power industry and the critical role of the next generation in shaping it.
Meralco’s participation in the event reflects its broader mission to inspire and empower the next generation of energy leaders. As the Philippines moves toward a cleaner and more resilient energy future, the company continues to champion innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth.|
