Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office
Founded on the goal of expanding educational opportunities and exposure to global industry practices, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Colas Rail Philippines, Inc. inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 8, 2024.
The partnership is a “beacon of hope for students and professionals aspiring to make significant contributions to the railway sector,” Colas Rail Philippines Inc. stated in a LinkedIn post.
“Being a pioneer in the railway engineering industry, PUP stands to gain significantly from this partnership with Colas Rail. This is a great opportunity for our students to learn and gain experience from international organizations. We’re on a good start this year with our collaborations and I am excited as we forge better paths for our beloved students and faculty,” Dr. Manuel Muhi stated in a message.
The MOU signing establishes a dynamic education policy favoring young talent and providing exceptional opportunities for students and aspiring professionals. A key part of the company’s SHARE core value is encouraging the pooling of talents and resources, teamwork, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to create progress.
University executive officials President Dr. Manuel Muhi and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Emmanuel C. De Guzman led the PUP delegation. On the other hand, Colas Rail was represented by Colas Rail – Asia Chief Operating Officer (COO) Christophe Chassagnette, International HR Director Fionna Tollovsen, HR Director for Asia Evelina Ray, Colas Rail Philippines HR Manager Ella Bella Baral, and Trackwork Engineer Dellan Nicole Rafael, who is also a PUP alumnus.
Colas Rail is a United Kingdom (UK)-based railway infrastructure company that focuses on 12 areas of expertise for their services—distribution substations, railway signaling, tracks, electro-mechanical and safety equipment, low voltage and telecoms, overhead lines, infrastructure management, training, rolling stock maintenance, railway safety, heavy vehicles, and civil engineering. It is one of the leading leaders in its industry, with a reach that spans over 20 countries.
Meanwhile, Colas Rail Philippines Inc. was formed in 2021 to begin the company’s first project in the Philippines – the Systems and Track Works Package for the Metro Manila Subway Project, also known as MRT 9.
A global partnership will immensely benefit railway engineering students and the program. PUP is the only state university offering Railway Engineering, ensuring leadership in the field and leveraging niche accomplishments for the future. In this regard, the University is keen on securing more connections with public and private organizations which would broaden academic and career opportunities for its students, fueled by its mandate to provide free, quality higher education.
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