The initiative, part of the wider Belt and Road Initiative, began in 2023 at Jiuquan Vocational and Technical College. It aims to train 18 Filipino students in new energy engineering, preparing them to drive the Philippines’ energy transition. Despite challenges like language barriers and funding constraints, the program offers practical training in renewable energy and cultural immersion.
In an ambitious initiative to combat climate change and advance renewable energy, a group of young Filipinos embarked on a transformative journey to China. They aim to acquire the technical expertise needed to spearhead the energy transition in the Philippines. This effort is part of a larger, collaborative program that aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, transcending mere infrastructure development to encompass vital educational exchanges.
Renewable energy expertise
This unique program commenced in the autumn of 2023, welcoming 18 Filipino students, aged 17 to 22, to Jiuquan Vocational and Technical College in Gansu province, China. They began an intensive course in “new energy engineering,” a strategic field crucial for the future of sustainable energy. Among them is Princess Agnila from Tacloban, a city that witnessed the horrors of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Her personal experience with climate-related disasters fuels her determination to make a difference.
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is exceptionally vulnerable to natural disasters like typhoons and floods. However, its geographical diversity also presents an abundance of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Recognizing this, the Philippine government has set ambitious goals in its 2020-2040 National Renewable Energy Program, aiming for renewable energy to constitute at least 35 percent of its power generation mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Nurturing future leaders
The Filipino students in China were meticulously chosen based on their academic prowess in STEM subjects and their vested interest in combating climate change. A key consideration was their socioeconomic background, with preference given to those from lower-income families who otherwise couldn’t afford such international educational opportunities.
The language barrier presented an initial challenge, as the primary language of instruction at Jiuquan is Chinese. The students underwent intensive Chinese language training in the Philippines but needed additional language classes upon arrival to fully grasp the course material. This delay has not dampened their enthusiasm; they eagerly participate in diverse subjects, including physical education, art, and calligraphy, while preparing to specialize in wind or solar power.
Practical training
Jiuquan, located on the fringe of the Gobi Desert, offers an ideal setting for studying renewable energy, with its abundant sunshine and favorable conditions for wind and solar power development. The college boasts a 10.1-megawatt solar power plant on campus, providing students with invaluable practical experience. This hands-on training is complemented by internships and potential job opportunities with local enterprises.
Adapting to life in Jiuquan was a significant adjustment for the Filipino students, requiring them to navigate not only cultural differences but also a starkly different climate. Nonetheless, they have gradually acclimatized and are now fully immersed in their studies and campus life.
Addressing funding challenges
People of Asia for Climate Solutions, a Manila-based NGO, is instrumental in this project, fostering partnerships between China and climate-vulnerable nations. Tom Wang, the founder of PACS, emphasizes the importance of training renewable energy personnel and investing in sustainable projects.
The initiative, while commendable, faces financial constraints. Most funding is provided by the participating colleges, which offer tuition waivers and scholarships covering living expenses. Additional support comes from government funds allocated for foreign students, particularly those from BRI countries. PACS plays a pivotal role in student recruitment and pre-departure preparations.
Despite financial hurdles, the project’s vision remains steadfast. It aims to address the pressing need for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector, a gap evident in Southeast Asia and particularly in the Philippines, where a significant shortage of experienced engineering and construction workers hampers the energy transition.
International education ambition
Filipino students are increasingly pursuing overseas education, particularly in fields like business management, health, IT, analytics, hospitality, tourism, and engineering. Popular destinations include Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and Ireland. IDP Philippines reports a significant annual growth in Filipino students studying abroad, with a notable 56 percent increase in applications year-on-year.
The surge is attributed to high English proficiency, with average IELTS scores of 6.8, and the desire for unique college programs and job opportunities overseas. Despite high education costs, scholarship opportunities are crucial. The Philippines, welcoming over 22,000 international students in 2022, mainly from India and China, is also emerging as a global education hub. Efforts to attract international students include streamlined visa processes, scholarships, and superior educational infrastructure. The country actively supports outbound student mobility, with 38 percent of prospective students favoring Canada, followed by Australia. This trend aligns with the Philippines’ goal of fostering globally competitive graduates.
Hopeful future
The prospects for these young students are bright. Upon completion of their studies, they are expected to return to the Philippines, equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute significantly to the nation’s renewable energy landscape and climate resilience. This endeavor is more than an educational program; it’s a testament to the power of international cooperation in addressing global challenges like climate change and sustainable development.
The success and expansion of this program depend on sustained funding and support. It symbolizes a beacon of hope, not just for the Philippines, but for all nations striving to harness renewable energy for a sustainable future.
