Visayan Electric Company and Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U) have formalized a partnership aimed at strengthening industry-academic collaboration in electrical engineering. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed this month to establish a two-year program providing CIT-U students with direct exposure to the energy sector.
Through this initiative, Electrical Engineering students at CIT-U will participate in industry-focused research and hands-on training. The program, set to launch in the upcoming semester, seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications in the energy industry.
Visayan Electric President and Chief Operating Officer Engr. Raul Lucero emphasized that the partnership aligns with efforts to advance science, technology, and business innovation across Cebu and the Philippines.
John Gregory B. Escario, CIT-U Vice President for Administration, highlighted the program’s role in equipping students with relevant skills. “With this partnership, students will be exposed and prepared, making them industry-ready and industry-preferred,” he stated. He also noted that students often face challenges in developing research topics that align with industry needs, and this initiative aims to address that gap.
Students participating in the program will gain access to specialized training, modern facilities, and mentorship from professionals in the energy sector. This collaboration builds on Visayan Electric’s history of supporting education through scholarships in coordination with the Aboitiz Foundation.
One notable scholarship recipient, Engr. Alfred Isaac Ajo, ranked first in the 2016 Registered Electrical Engineer Board Examination before joining Visayan Electric as a Senior Engineer in the Power Systems Planning Department. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “Serving Visayan Electric was not part of the stipulations of the scholarship, but I decided to give back to the company that helped me. I chose to serve in this company since they play a huge role in Cebu, and I want to serve my fellow Cebuanos.”
Ajo also acknowledged the importance of aligning academic learning with industry requirements. “This will help align the problems being addressed in the academe with industry needs and ensure that the skills being developed are up-to-date with industry standards,” he added.
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