The University of the Cordilleras (UC) has taken a major step forward in advancing industry-driven engineering education by establishing a historic partnership with TBEA Subic Inc., becoming the international company’s very first university partner in the Philippines.
The landmark collaboration was formalized on October 1, 2026, through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The agreement directly supports UC’s Bachelor of Science in Energy Systems Engineering (BS ESE) program while unlocking new avenues for academic-industry synergy. Representing their respective institutions, UC President Dr. Nancy M. Flores and TBEA Subic Inc. Chairman Gao Ran signed the MOA. Initiated under the leadership of UC College of Engineering (COE) Dean Dr. Rose Ellen N. Macabiog, this partnership further strengthens the college’s ongoing mission to bridge classroom instruction with global industry standards.
TBEA, a globally established corporation based in China, is widely recognized for its expertise in high-level equipment manufacturing, complex engineering projects, and advanced technology development. Through this MOA, UC and TBEA will collaborate across several core operational areas, including student internships, industrial visits, technical seminars and training, faculty engagement, capstone research projects, and joint technological innovation. These activities will give UC engineering students and faculty direct, practical exposure to modern energy systems, advanced electrical technologies, and emerging engineering applications.
Through this landmark collaboration, the UC College of Engineering continues to expand opportunities for experiential learning and industry-aligned research—preparing future engineers to navigate and lead the evolving global technological landscape.
Beyond academic expansion, this alliance directly mirrors the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating modern industrial practices and technical training into the BS ESE curriculum, the partnership supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through high-caliber, energy-focused instruction. Connecting students with cutting-edge equipment manufacturing and technological innovation advances SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by building a future-ready technical workforce. Finally, as TBEA’s first university alliance in the country, the initiative exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), demonstrating how cross-border industry-academic collaboration drives sustainable technological progress.
