Thirty-three graduating Electrical Engineering students from STI West Negros University recently participated in an industry immersion at Negros Power. They gained valuable hands-on experience in power distribution and utility operations. The visit, held on April 10, 2025, was part of the school’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academic instruction and real-world engineering practice.
Read: NEPC’s 5-Year Development Plan for Negros Occidental
Electrical Engineering Students Immersion: Learning Beyond the Classroom
This on-site learning opportunity allowed students to observe the day-to-day functions of a power distribution utility—an experience rarely captured in textbooks or classroom lectures. Through the visit, students learned how electricity is managed, distributed, and maintained to serve thousands of homes and businesses in Bacolod City and surrounding areas.
Negros Power’s Assistant Vice President for Business and Operations, Engr. Leomel H. Tambanillo, welcomed the group and expressed the company’s continued support for educational initiatives.
“We are honored to welcome future engineers to Negros Power,” Engr. Tambanillo said. “It’s part of our advocacy to support and inspire the next generation of professionals who will help shape a more reliable and sustainable energy sector.”
Tour of the Main Office and Alijis Substation
The students began their immersion at the Negros Power main office, where they were introduced to various departments. They gained insight into the administrative processes, coordination efforts, and system planning involved in keeping operations running smoothly.
The learning continued with a field visit to the Alijis Substation, one of the key facilities in Bacolod’s power distribution system. At the substation, students saw how system controls work in real time. They learned about maintenance routines and safety steps that keep the power running. They also saw how teams communicate and coordinate to keep the grid stable and respond quickly during emergencies.
Real-World Lessons and Industry Exposure
For many of the students, this was their first time to witness power systems up close. It gave them a deeper appreciation of their chosen field and a clearer picture of the career path ahead.
“This kind of experience bridges the gap between theory and practice,” said Christian Daclan, one of the student participants. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to see what we’ve been studying in real-life situations.”
Supporting Future Engineers in Negros Occidental
This activity highlights the importance of collaboration between the energy industry and academic institutions in preparing students for real-world challenges. These kinds of programs help produce graduates who are not only technically capable but also industry-ready.
Negros Power continues to support schools, universities, and technical institutions across Negros Occidental, believing that strong partnerships lead to a more capable and skilled engineering workforce for the future.
