Twenty-eight engineering students from across the country have completed an internship training with the Meralco Power Academy (MPA) that aims to produce the next generation of energy professionals.

PowerCamp, a 280-hour internship program designed by MPA, comprises immersive on-the-job training and project-based activities for top-performing engineering students to develop their leadership capabilities and enhance their technical knowledge.

The latest batch of interns was selected from among students of the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, Mapua University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, Cebu Institute of Technology, University of San Carlos, Mindanao State University-General Santos, and Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology.

Their hard work and determination throughout the June-July program were given recognition by the energy education unit of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) during a graduation ceremony held in Pasig City.

“PowerCamp has introduced me to what a work environment is like, along with Meralco’s responsibility to serve the people,” said Frances Margaret Maria T. Recto, a UP intern. “I will be looking forward to seeing all the possibilities of my future as an engineer in a new light.”

MPA trustee Emmanuel V. Rubio, president and chief executive officer of Meralco PowerGen, said: “As future engineers, scientists, and industry leaders, PowerCampers will have an important role in shaping how the country responds to its growing energy needs.”

The academy also held a homecoming event for 35 PowerCamp alumni, reflecting the lasting ties developed through the program and its growing network of young engineering talent. Seven of them have joined One Meralco Group, while 14 are preparing for their engineering licensure examinations.

Heart Well S. Sumalinog, an alumna, said PowerCamp “opened doors for me and gave me an opportunity to experience the industry firsthand. It became a stepping stone in my career, and MGEN reached out to me even before I started reviewing for the board exam.”

She added: “Now, I’m here as a cadet engineer at MGEN Renewables, and I’m grateful for the opportunity that started with PowerCamp.”

Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer, said that “PowerCamp has never been just a way to recruit top graduates for our companies. It is a vital platform to discover, nurture, and train the brightest talents for the entire energy industry.”

“We firmly believe that One Meralco talent pipeline can emerge from anywhere—even from the least expected corners of our nation,” he said.