Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) formalized a strategic skills development partnership with the United Professional Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (UPEEP) through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The collaboration aims to elevate the capabilities of electrical engineers amid the Philippines’ evolving energy landscape.
“At Meralco, we firmly believe that the future of our industry will be shaped not only by technology, but by the capabilities of our people”, said Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie Aperocho. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing the electrical engineering profession, strengthening technical excellence, and contributing to a safer, more innovative, and future-ready energy sector for the Philippines".
UPEEP President Jovenie Tagatac welcomed the alliance, stating, “For us here in Upeep, joining hands with Meralco is a dynamic alliance. Through this MOU, we are successfully blending high-level institutional capability with the hands-on expertise of our professional electrical engineers".
The partnership comes at a critical time as the country pushes for greater energy efficiency, sustainability, and integration of renewable sources. Both organizations will jointly conduct technical training programs, collaborate on advanced research initiatives, establish knowledge-sharing platforms, and develop strategies aligned with the national roadmap for energy efficiency and sustainability. These efforts are designed to continuously upgrade the professional knowledge and skills of electrical engineers across the nation.
Key focus areas include providing engineering support to strengthen industry standards for solar and battery installations. The MOU also targets building technical competencies in emerging fields such as nuclear energy, which is gaining traction in national energy discussions. By combining Meralco’s vast operational experience with UPEEP’s network of professionals, the partnership seeks to address skill gaps, promote innovation, and enhance safety protocols in power distribution and generation.
Industry observers view this development as a significant step toward professionalizing the sector. With the Philippines’ ongoing infrastructure projects and transition toward cleaner energy, skilled electrical engineers are in high demand. The collaboration is expected to produce certified training modules, joint workshops, and research papers that will benefit not only Meralco’s workforce but also independent practitioners and other utility companies.
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Meralco, the country’s largest power distributor, continues to invest in human capital as part of its broader sustainability and digital transformation agenda. The company has been actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio and modernizing its grid infrastructure. Partnering with UPEEP reinforces its role as an industry leader committed to nurturing talent that can drive long-term energy security.
For UPEEP, the alliance provides a platform to amplify its advocacy for higher professional standards and continuous learning among its members. The organization has long championed policies that support the growth of electrical engineering practice in the Philippines, and this MOU opens new avenues for impactful contributions.
The announcement also coincided with positive market reaction. Meralco’s share price rose by P3 to P565 each on Wednesday, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s strategic moves to strengthen its technical and human resource foundations.
As the energy sector faces challenges such as rising demand, climate resilience, and technological disruption, initiatives like this MOU play a vital role in preparing the workforce. Future activities under the partnership may include specialized certification courses, simulation-based training, mentorship programs, and participation in international knowledge exchanges.
This collaboration underscores the importance of public-private and industry-academe linkages in achieving national development goals. By investing in people, Meralco and UPEEP are not only enhancing individual competencies but also contributing to a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable power industry for all Filipinos.
