115 engineers mula sa iba’t ibang unibersidad, sumailalim sa training para sa MRT-7 project ng SMC

NAPILI ng San Miguel Corporation ang 115 engineering graduates mula sa iba’t ibang unibersidad sa bansa upang mag-training para sa commercial operations ng Mass Rail Transit (MRT-7) project sa 2025.

“MRT-7 promises to be a game-changer for the Philippine transportation landscape, and we are confident our young professionals will set new benchmarks in efficiency, safety, and service excellence,” wika ni SMC President at CEO Ramon S. Ang.

Ang mga bagong graduates na nagmula sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines’s (PUP) Railway Engineering Program ay nagsimula na ng training habang 40 cadets naman sa nag-top sa evaluation tests ang ipinadala sa South Korea sa ilalim ng national railway operator na Korail, partner ng SMC sa MRT-7 project.

“Investing in the growth, development and well-being of young local talents is part of our commitment to nation-building and ensuring our country’s long-term success and prosperity. We want to be able to provide them with the tools they need to enhance their competencies, prepare them for when the MRT-7 starts operating and eventually make meaningful contributions to the wider community. I am confident they will not only shine but also redefine standards,” wika ni Ang.

               Lampas sa 500 aplikante ang sumailalim sa panel interviews at screening para sa programa. Kasama rito ang aptitude test para sa train operators at traffic controllers. Ang 115 kandidato na nakapasa ay nagsimula ng training noong Marso.

Kinuha ng SMC ang KORAIL ng South Korea at ng Philippine Railway Institute (PRI) para magbigay ng malalim na kaalaman sa pagpapatakbo at pagmamantina ng mga tren habang ang mga cadets ay magiging train operators at traffic controllers.

Nagsimula ang classroom lectures ng mga propesor ng KORAIL sa Maynila noong Mayo. Matapos nito ay 40 cadets ang ipinadala sa Seoul para sa training sa pasilidad ng KORAIL.

Kasama sa mga kurso ang driving simulator, exposure to core technology for driving and operations, railway control systems, first aid and emergency, at familiarization with the railway depot.

Pitumpu’t limang cadets ang sumailalim sa mandatory Fundamental Training (FT) course ng PRI rail transportation research and training center ng Department of Transportation.

Ang mga graduates ay magiging certified railway professionals bilang train operators, traffic controllers, at maintenance personnel.

“I was about to give up looking for a job in the railway industry, and just search for a role in construction. But my elder sister encouraged me to continue to look for a job related to my field. While most railway projects are still in the construction phase, it is only MRT-7 which entertained applicants who are fresh graduates,” wika ni Jizelle Hasco na isa sa mga estudyante.

“Ang MRT-7 na lang po ang pag-asa ko na makapasok sa railway industry. Maliit po kasi ang railway industry dito sa atin. Bibihira po magbukas ng pagkakataon para sa mga fresh graduates tulad ko,” aniya.

Si Hasco ang nagsabi ng oportunidad na ito sa mga kaibigan at ka-batch sa PUP. “Our entire batch at the railway engineering [program] really pinned our hopes that we would be part of the railway industry through MRT-7,” dagdag niya.

“Ang laki ng opportunity for me personally na isang fresh graduate pa lang, tapos biglang lipad. Sobrang thankful ako sa SMC at may ibinigay na opportunity na ganito para sa akin. Kaya ginalingnan ko sa cadetship para dito kasi may trabaho akong makukuha para sa akin at sa pamilya ko.”

“You will have the privilege to learn from the best in the industry, acquire cutting-edge skills, and gain experience that will allow you to excel in your respective roles. I wish all of you to make the most of this opportunity,” sabi ni Ang sa mga cadets sa send-off papuntang Korea.

“This is not just a professional journey, but a personal one that will help shape your lives and careers. More importantly, your learnings and experiences will translate to actual benefits for our countrymen. I look forward to the day when you take the lead in serving millions of Filipino commuters,” pagtatapos ni Ang. (MICKA BAUTISTA)