Power firm donates solar lab to Cebu school

CEBU, Philippines —Meridian Power Inc. (MPI), the power generation arm of Vivant Energy, is expanding its investment in workforce development as the Philippines accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, equipping a public high school in Cebu City with electrical and solar training facilities to help address future demand for skilled technicians.

MPI, together with Vivant Foundation Inc. (VFI), turned over Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) and solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment to Cebu City Don Carlos A. Gothong Memorial National High School, benefiting more than 4,000 students.

The initiative includes the modernization of the school’s EIM laboratory and specialized training for teachers in Solar PV systems, enabling the institution to offer students dual Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certifications in Electrical Installation and Maintenance and Solar PV Systems Installation.

The project is part of Project Liadlaw, Vivant Foundation’s technical-vocational education program launched in 2017. The program has expanded to 15 schools, offering a curriculum developed with the Department of Education and TESDA that combines electrical training with solar and renewable energy technologies.

“We’re in the business of power, so it matters to us how the next generation learns about it,” said Shem Jose W. Garcia, Executive Director of Vivant Foundation. “The curriculum guides teachers in the updated standards of what needs to be taught. This is how we give students a good head start—with skills that are relevant to the profession.”

The investment reflects growing industry efforts to build a pipeline of technically skilled workers as the Philippines expands renewable energy capacity and modernizes its power infrastructure. Demand for solar installers, electricians and energy technicians is expected to rise alongside the country’s clean energy targets.

Bienvenido C. Saniel III, Vice President of Meridian Power, said the upgraded facilities will allow students to graduate with practical competencies that are directly aligned with labor market needs.

“They’re graduating with hands-on, marketable skills in electrical and solar work,” Saniel said. “Vocational education like this is only going to become more valuable as the country’s energy requirements continue to grow.”

The turnover ceremony was attended by Vivant Foundation and Meridian Power executives together with officials from the Department of Education’s Cebu City Division and Barangay San Nicolas Proper.

School Principal Charlie L. Salve described the upgraded laboratory as a significant milestone that strengthens the school’s technical-vocational program and broadens career opportunities for its students.

Vivant Foundation said it plans to expand Project Liadlaw to additional schools nationwide as the energy sector increasingly requires workers with expertise spanning both traditional electrical systems and renewable energy technologies.