By Edmar Delos Santos, StratCom Correspondent

Mariano Marcos State University has partnered with First Philec, Inc. (FPI) through the memorandum of agreement (MoA) signing ceremony today, October 4, at the Center for Flexible Learning to collaborate on ceramic production.

Signed by MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe Franco, College of Engineering Dean Dr. Sharona Barroga, FPI Vice President Mr. Leondro Tontato, and FPI representatives Engr. Dianne Gutierrez and Engr. Kenneth Duque, the agreement aims to produce porcelain components of transformer bushings for FPI. Ceramic engineering faculty members and students witnessed the signing ceremony.

Dr. Franco highlighted that the new partnership is a "strategic step to collaborate with the industry for scientific and economic development and to attain the university’s agenda to expand external linkages and partnerships".

Meanwhile, Mr. Tontato pledged their company’s commitment to partnering with MMSU, ensuring that this partnership will benefit ceramic engineering students, faculty members, and researchers.

As a leading electrical distribution equipment manufacturer and co-created solutions provider in the Philippines, FPI will provide funding and assistance for materials procurement and laboratory testing for product development on the porcelain product.

Additionally, MMSU will identify and process raw materials needed to produce the porcelain component of transformer bushings, conduct feasibility studies, provide the expertise and facilities to conduct the research and experiment and develop formulation and product prototypes.

FPI is the country’s leader in providing electrical distribution equipment and co-created solutions in the Philippines, with over 250,000 installations nationwide.