Future Engineers in Action: STI West Negros University Students Get a Taste of Real-Life Power Work with Negros Power
If you’re wondering how engineering students prepare for the big leagues, here’s a feel-good story from Bacolod City that shows how impactful real-world exposure can be. On April 10, 2025, thirty-three soon-to-be graduates from STI West Negros University’s Electrical Engineering program took a deep dive into the actual workings of a power distribution company. And not just any company — they were hosted by none other than Negros Power.
This wasn’t your average classroom lecture. It was a full-blown industry immersion that took learning out of textbooks and into control rooms, substations, and operational offices. The energy (pun intended) was electric.
From Classrooms to Control Rooms
Let’s face it, studying engineering is no walk in the park. But what makes it all worthwhile is when students finally see how those formulas and theories work in real life. That’s exactly what happened when these eager young minds walked through the doors of Negros Power.
They kicked things off at the company’s main office, where they were welcomed by Engr. Leomel H. Tambanillo, Assistant Vice President for Business and Operations. With open arms and inspiring words, Engr. Tambanillo made it clear that Negros Power is all about supporting future professionals in the energy sector.
“We’re honored to welcome future engineers,” he told the group. “This is part of our commitment to help shape a more efficient, reliable, and modern power industry.”
Now, that’s the kind of talk that fuels ambition.
Inside the World of Power Distribution
After the warm welcome, it was time to get technical. The students explored different departments within the company’s operations. This behind-the-scenes look gave them a real understanding of what it takes to run a power distribution business — from administrative work to full-on engineering operations.
But the real highlight? The visit to the Alijis Substation.
There, the students witnessed the heart of power distribution in action. They observed how system controls are managed, how maintenance is done safely, and how teams coordinate during critical situations to ensure lights stay on in homes and businesses across the region.
Watching the pros in action gave these students a first-hand look at how every switch, relay, and circuit plays a role in keeping everything running smoothly.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
One of the students, Christian Daclan, put it perfectly: “This kind of experience bridges the gap between theory and practice. We’re grateful for the opportunity to observe professionals at work and understand the systems we’ve studied in class.”
It’s true. You can read all about safety protocols, system monitoring, and energy flow in books, but nothing compares to seeing it all unfold in front of your eyes. These are the kinds of experiences that make lessons stick and inspire confidence in young professionals as they prepare to join the workforce.
Powering Up the Future Together
This visit wasn’t just beneficial for the students. It also showcased how important partnerships between schools and industries really are. When companies like Negros Power open their doors to students, they’re not just giving a tour — they’re investing in the future of the industry.
Negros Power continues to champion education and training opportunities for young minds. Their goal is to make sure the next generation of engineers isn’t just ready to join the field but is also equipped to innovate and lead.
And with the kind of hands-on learning these students experienced, we’re confident that the future of the power sector looks bright.
Final Thoughts
Something is exciting about watching students take that step from campus to career, especially when professionals in the field warmly welcome them. The STI West Negros University students left Negros Power not just with new knowledge but with inspiration and a clearer vision of what lies ahead.
One thing’s for sure — Bacolod isn’t just producing engineers. It’s nurturing future leaders who will help keep the lights on, quite literally, for generations to come.
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