STI West Negros Engineering Students Deepen Industry Knowledge Through Negros Power Immersion
In a move that strengthens the bridge between academic learning and industry practice, thirty-three graduating Electrical Engineering students from STI West Negros University took part in a valuable on-site educational tour at the facilities of Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) on April 10, 2025.
This initiative forms part of the university’s industry immersion program, aimed at equipping students with firsthand knowledge and practical experience before they transition into professional roles. The immersive visit provided students a closer look at the inner workings of a major power distribution utility and allowed them to understand how theoretical concepts are applied in real-time operations.
A Warm Welcome and a Commitment to Future Engineers
The students were welcomed by Engr. Leomel H. Tambanillo, Assistant Vice President for Business and Operations at Negros Power. In his address, Engr. Tambanillo highlighted the company’s advocacy of supporting educational institutions and young professionals. He emphasized the vital role that future engineers will play in the development of a resilient and modern energy sector.
“We are honored to open our doors to aspiring engineers,” he said. “By giving them access to real-world operations, we hope to inspire and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to the power industry.”
From Classroom Concepts to Field Applications
During the visit, the students were given an in-depth tour of various departments within the Negros Power main office, where they observed administrative and technical operations that keep the utility running smoothly. These included insights into customer service protocols, network planning, and system monitoring.
The learning experience continued at the Alijis Substation, a critical component of the power distribution network. Here, students witnessed technical demonstrations involving maintenance procedures, control systems, and safety measures that are essential to ensuring a stable and uninterrupted power supply to the community.
For many students, the highlight was seeing the systems and practices they’ve studied come to life. “This kind of experience bridges the gap between theory and practice,” shared Christian Daclan, one of the participants. “It’s a valuable learning moment to witness professionals managing complex systems and to understand the importance of safety and precision in their work.”
Supporting Industry-Academia Collaboration
Negros Power’s initiative exemplifies the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and the energy sector. These collaborations not only enhance learning opportunities but also contribute to workforce readiness by exposing students to the expectations and realities of their chosen field.
As part of its broader mission, Negros Power continues to welcome academic partnerships, believing that investment in education is a step toward building a skilled, forward-thinking generation of engineers.
Conclusion
The visit of STI West Negros University’s Electrical Engineering students to Negros Power is more than just an academic activity — it is a meaningful investment in the future of the energy industry. By opening its doors to future professionals, Negros Power reinforces its commitment to education, innovation, and sustainable progress, helping shape the next generation of leaders in the power sector.
