On August 20, the University of Asia and the Pacific Foundation, Inc. (UA&PFI) and the Center for Research and Communication Foundation, Inc. (CRCFI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) at the UA&P campus. The signing ceremony aims to formalize and  strengthen the close collaboration between PNOC and UA&P/CRC in the areas of manpower training and research that would further promote investments in the fields of renewable energy and social enterprises.

The signatories were Mr. Oliver Butalid, President and CEO of PNOC; Dr. Winston Padojinog, President of UA&PFI; and Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Vice President of CRCFI. Serving as official witnesses to the signing of the MOU were Atty. Joel Arzaga, Corporate Secretary of PNOC,  and  Dr. Robert Roque, Vice President for Business Development and Alumni Affairs of UA&P.

In his message, Mr. Butalid highlighted the research possibilities on the impact of specific energy policies and programs on economic development, the potential for talent development, and the networking opportunities with other stakeholders in the energy sector, including government agencies, NGOs, and other academic institutions.

He concluded, “There is a lot of work to be done to strengthen our energy sector. Energy is, after all, not just one industry among many. It is what drives the entire economy, as it underpins all the sources of growth, creates jobs, and improves the quality of life for citizens.”

PNOC is a government-owned and controlled corporation that seeks to develop and implement projects in a financially prudent and responsible manner aimed at increasing the country’s self-sufficiency level in oil, gas, and other energy sources; foster sustainable and environment-friendly sources of energy and promote energy efficiency and conservation; and maintain the highest standards of service and corporate governance.

(L-R) PNOC Corporate Secretary Atty. Joel Arzaga, PNOC President and CEO Mr. Oliver Butalid, UA&PFI President Dr. Winston Padojinog, CRCFI Vice President Dr. Bernardo Villegas, and UA&P VP for Business Development and Alumni Affairs Dr. Robert Roque.

Mr. Butalid holds the book The Philippine Economy Towards First World Status authored by Dr. Villegas (right) and given by Dr. Padojinog (left).