Manila Electric Co. has launched FISSION program—short forFilipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering—as the country’s largest power distributor prepares for an expected Philippine adoption of nuclear technology to address growing demand for electricity and shift away from carbon-emitting technology.
Meralco, as the company that belongs to the MVP Group is more popularly known, has sent five engineers to the US and China as the initial batch under the FISSION program.
The five Meralco engineers are Amiela Nicodemus, Gener Atienza, Kenneth Tulagan, Mark Justin Salas, and Marc Laurence Ceria. Nicodemus and Atienza will take a two-year nuclear engineering program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States, while Tulagan, Salas, and Ceria will pursue their studies at Harbin Engineering University in China.
Upon completion of their academic training, these scholars will embark on internships at nuclear technology firms before returning to the Philippines in 2028. They will then integrate back into Meralco, where they will contribute to its nuclear power generation unit.
The selection process for the FISSION scholars was rigorous, overseen by a committee comprising energy industry experts and academics such as Dr. Ike Dimayuga from Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. and Dr. Aura Matias, former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Engineering.
Meralco’s Power Academy (MPA), the educational arm of the utility, manages the FISSION program. Launched during the Giga Summit on nuclear and sustainable energy and energy efficiency in September, MPA has partnered with prestigious international universities offering nuclear engineering graduate programs. This collaboration provides scholars access to state-of-the-art nuclear energy laboratories and participation in research on small and micro modular reactors.
The FISSION initiative aligns with Meralco’s strategic efforts to integrate nuclear power into the Philippines’ energy mix, supporting the government’s goal of achieving sustainable energy security.
“FISSION is a significant leap forward in advancing the education and training of technical and regulatory talents in nuclear engineering. It underscores Meralco’s unwavering commitment to developing the energy sector workforce,” said Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer.
In addition to FISSION, Meralco is relaunching its Power Camp Internship Program, welcoming 21 engineering students from partner universities in Metro Manila and Mindanao. These students will undergo a six-week on-the-job training program aimed at preparing them for future roles in the energy industry.
Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan affirmed Meralco’s dedication to nuclear energy development. “Supporting aspiring energy professionals will build a talent pipeline of nuclear energy experts, paving the way for a smarter and greener future for our country,” he said.
Meralco continues its pursuit of innovation and sustainable energy solutions, aiming to contribute significantly to the advancement of nuclear energy and the development of future power industry leaders.
