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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Mapúa University) |
Mapúa University, the Philippines’ premier engineering and technological school, is once again redefining the boundaries between classroom and industry through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) and Emerging Power Inc. (EPI), signaling a new era for science and engineering education in the Philippines.
Held at the Office of the President at Mapúa Intramuros campus, the signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Mapúa University President and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, Nickel Asia Corporation Vice President for People Transformation and Workplace Ma. Fatima C. Mijares, Emerging Power Inc. Officer-In-Charge and Chief Operations Officer Rafael B. Macabiog, and academic deans and other university officials representing Mapúa’s engineering and science schools. These reinforce the commitment to bringing together academic leaders and industry executives in a shared vision of developing future-ready professionals.
Advancing Education Through Industry Immersion
At the heart of the agreement is the launch and implementation of internship opportunities under NAC’s START 2026 Internship Program, an eight-week immersive learning experience scheduled from May to August 2026. The program is designed to expose students to real-world industry operations, mentorship from professionals, and hands-on participation in projects that contribute to environmental stewardship and community development. Through this collaboration, Mapúa students will gain practical exposure to natural resource development, renewable energy operations, sustainability initiatives, and corporate social responsibility programs — bridging classroom learning with industry practice. Target academic programs include Civil Engineering, Geology and Geological Science & Engineering, Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. These disciplines align closely with the operational expertise of NAC and EPI, ensuring students develop competencies relevant to current industry demands.
Shared Vision For Sustainable Nation-Building
The partnership reflects a shared commitment among the three institutions to nurture future professionals equipped with technical excellence, ethical leadership, and environmental responsibility. Mapúa University continues to uphold its mission of delivering outcomes-based education that prepares globally competitive graduates. Meanwhile, Nickel Asia Corporation and Emerging Power Inc. aim to cultivate young talent capable of contributing to sustainable natural resource management and renewable energy development. The internship program emphasizes hands-on industry learning and mentorship, innovation and problem-solving in real-world environments, environmental protection and sustainability initiatives, community engagement and social development, and professional readiness and leadership formation. Together, the institutions envision a collaborative ecosystem where education supports industry growth while empowering students to become responsible contributors to society.
Empowering Future Innovators
Beyond internship placement, the agreement symbolizes a long-term partnership dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and workforce readiness. By integrating academic excellence with industry expertise, Mapúa University, NAC, and EPI aim to cultivate graduates who are not only technically competent but also socially responsible and environmentally conscious leaders. As industries continue to evolve toward sustainable and technology-driven solutions, collaborations such as this reaffirm Mapúa University’s role as a key partner in shaping the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators who will contribute to national development and global progress.
