Meralco Embraces New Leadership, Nuclear Future

The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has appointed Emmanuel V. Rubio, former CEO of AboitizPower, as the new President and CEO of Meralco PowerGen Corporation.

Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Future: Meralco executives, led by Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan (5th from left), proudly introduced the scholars of the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program. Pictured from left to right are: Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Edgardo V. Carasig; Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho; FISSION scholars Gener Atienza, Kenneth Tulagan, Ami Nicodemus, Justin Salas, and Marc Ceria; Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet; and Meralco PowerGen Corporation President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio. | Photo: MERALCO

This announcement coincides with the exciting launch of the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program, marking a significant step forward for the company and the country’s energy sector.

Rubio's leadership heralds a new era for Meralco PowerGen, promising to bring fresh perspectives and a wealth of experience in advancing the company's energy generation portfolio.

Known for his strategic vision and expertise in the power industry, Rubio is expected to spearhead initiatives that will fortify Meralco's position as a leader in sustainable and innovative energy solutions.

Simultaneously, Meralco has introduced the pioneering batch of FISSION scholars, a program that exemplifies the company's dedication to nuclear energy education and development.

The inaugural group of scholars includes five Meralco engineers: Amiela Nicodemus, Gener Atienza, Kenneth Tulagan, Mark Justin Salas, and Marc Laurence Ceria.

Nicodemus and Atienza will commence their studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, while Tulagan, Salas, and Ceria will head to Harbin Engineering University in China.

The FISSION program, managed by the Meralco Power Academy (MPA), is designed to cultivate technical and regulatory talents in nuclear engineering. This initiative supports the Philippine government's vision of sustainable energy security by integrating nuclear power into the nation's energy mix.

MPA has partnered with premier international institutions to provide scholars with access to cutting-edge laboratories and research on small and micro modular reactors.

The rigorous selection process for FISSION involved a panel of esteemed energy experts, including Dr. Ike Dimayuga from the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. and Dr. Aura Matias, former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Engineering.

Upon completing their studies and internships with top nuclear technology companies, the scholars will return to Meralco in 2028 to contribute to the company’s nuclear power generation unit.

Meralco's Executive Vice President and COO, Ronnie L. Aperocho, emphasized the program's importance, stating, "FISSION is a major step in accelerating the education and training of talents in nuclear engineering. It underscores Meralco’s steadfast commitment to developing the energy sector workforce."

In addition to FISSION, MPA is also welcoming 21 students to its six-week Power Camp Internship Program, relaunching this year to offer hands-on industry experience to high-performing engineering and science students from partner universities.

Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan highlighted the broader impact of these initiatives, saying, "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."

With these groundbreaking initiatives, Meralco reaffirms its dedication to driving innovation and transformation in the energy sector, aiming to harness the potential of nuclear energy and develop future power industry leaders.