The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) formally sealed its partnership with Meralco Power Academy (MPA) and MGEN Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGEN Renewables) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), held on March 2, 2026, at the Rico Fajardo Hall, NEUST Sumacab Campus.

Reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing hands-on learning, research collaboration, and curriculum development, the partnership builds on the longstanding engagement between NEUST and Meralco, which began in 2016 through the Power Camp Program.

The newly signed MOU formalizes expanded areas of cooperation, including hands-on learning and skills development, research and innovation collaboration, curriculum development and integration, and other jointly agreed programs.

Under the agreement, MPA will manage the implementation of the Power Camp Program, ensuring that the selection and assignment of NEUST students meet the specific departmental needs of MGEN Renewables.

NEUST, on the other hand, will align its academic outcomes with industry-required competencies, assign faculty supervisors to monitor student progress, and conduct pre-internship orientations covering ethics, workplace behavior, and data privacy.

Meanwhile, MGEN Renewables will provide meaningful work roles aligned with internship outcomes, assign mentors to support the program in coordination with MPA, and collaborate with NEUST in promoting career opportunities through job fairs and career talks.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Feliciana Jacoba, NEUST Vice President for Academic Affairs, underscored the value of the collaboration in preparing future engineers.

“We are truly blessed to have this partnership that will help us further develop and equip our students to become competent graduates. NEUST is fortunate to have Meralco as an institutional partner in harnessing the competencies of our future electrical engineers,” she said.

NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo emphasized that strategic partnerships remain central to the University’s thrust toward academic excellence.

“Our commitment to academic excellence is complemented by deliberate partnerships with government agencies, private corporations, civil society organizations, and international institutions to ensure that what we teach is aligned with what the world demands,” she noted.

“Through this partnership, we are presented with concrete opportunities to integrate industry perspectives into our curriculum, strengthen internship and immersion programs, and pursue joint extension initiatives that benefit local communities.”

For his part, Mr. Dennis Jordan, President and CEO of MGEN Renewables, described the signing as a meaningful bridge between education and industry.

“This signing ceremony is a commitment that links education and industry, aspiration and opportunity, classroom learning and real-world possibilities. As a renewable energy company, it is a commitment grounded on a deeper purpose—building a future powered not just by clean energy but by capable, confident, and empowered young people.”

Adding inspiration to the event was Engr. Redel Domingo, NEUST alumnus and now Senior Vice President and Head of MPower, who shared how the University provided him with the foundational knowledge and principles that guided his professional success.

To date, at least 20 NEUST graduates have been employed within the Meralco group, a testament to the University’s continuing track record of producing quality and industry-ready professionals.

As the first MOU of its kind in the region for Meralco, both parties expressed optimism for sustained collaboration anchored on human capital empowerment and sustainable development.

“As NEUST continuously seeks meaningful collaborations that bridge academic excellence with real-world application, we see Meralco as a strategic partner in shaping a future where education, innovation, and sustainable energy converge for the benefit of our communities and our nation,” Dr. Jugo added.

The MOU signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both institutions, including Engr. Jeric Aduna, Dean of the College of Engineering, Engr. Christopher Ladignon, Head, Regulatory and Performance Compliance Unit, Engr. Ian Colorina, Executive Director of Meralco Power Academy, as well as COE faculty members, students, and alumni.

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