BuhaWind ties up with MMSU for offshore wind power project
By Paulene Paglumotan
The BuhaWind Energy Northern Luzon Corporation (BENLC) and the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), together with Mapúa University (MU), formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the feasibility study of the Northern Luzon Offshore Wind Power Project (NLOWPP) on November 20 at the Dap-Ayan Commercial Center in Laoag City.
The MOU aims to strengthen the offshore wind energy sector by partnering with academic institutions like MMSU, focusing on academic instruction, research and development, and community engagement in renewable energy for the said project.
Leading the signing were MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., represented by Vice President for Resource Generation and Management Bjorn Santos; BENLC President Francisco Delfin, Jr.; and MU Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Lilibeth Sabino.
The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Marlowe Aquino, MMSU Director for Extension and Training Director of the Renewable Energy Executive Competency Development Training Program; Dr. Sharona Barroga, Dean of the College of Engineering; Dr. James Paul Madigal, Director of the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC); Chief of Technical Services and Maintenance Willen Manzanas; Engr. Saloys Morales; and faculty members of the Graduate School Professional Science Master's in Renewable Energy Engineering.
Located across the municipalities of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud, the proposed offshore wind power project of the Department of Energy (DOE), to be undertaken by BENLC as operating contractor, presents a transformative pathway for the Philippines' clean energy transition, with major potential for power generation, jobs creation, and sustainable regional development.
Under the partnership, MMSU and MU will also co-develop upskilling and workforce initiatives in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud. These efforts will ensure that offshore wind development prioritizes local talent, local knowledge, and long-term capacity building in Ilocos Norte.
MMSU’s collaborative partnerships on renewable energy and sustainable community development demonstrate the university’s commitment towards implementing clean energy solutions and building sustainable communities.
Nov, 21, 2025 02:28:pm
Written By:
STRATCOM
