The Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT University), a leading engineering university in Cebu, took another significant step toward advancing sustainable innovation as it welcomed distinguished guests Prof. Yasuyuki Ikegami, Director of the Institute of Ocean Energy (IOES) at Saga University, Japan, and Chair of the Ocean Thermal Energy Association (OTEA), and Dr. Carmelo O. Dilao, Chair of OTEA Philippines, for exploratory discussions on potential collaboration in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) research and education.
The visit underscored CIT University’s culture of excellence and its strong commitment to renewable energy research and industry alignment. Prof. Ikegami and Dr. Dilao met with the Mechanical Engineering Department to explore academic and research linkages that would support the development of sustainable energy technologies in the Philippines. They also engaged with faculty members and senior students from the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Departments in a series of lectures highlighting the latest advancements in OTEC and its potential applications in the country.
Dr. Carmelo O. Dilao, Chair of OTEA Philippines and Member of the OTEA Executive Committee, opened the academic session by discussing the prospects of OTEC in the Philippines, emphasizing its potential to contribute to the nation’s clean energy mix. This was followed by Prof. Dr. Yasuyuki Ikegami, Director of IOES at Saga University and Chair of the OTEA Executive Committee, who spoke about leading the green transformation in the Philippines through OTEC, sharing insights from Japan’s pioneering models.
These discussions illuminated the shared vision of both institutions to promote cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions through research collaboration and technology transfer. For CIT University, this partnership reinforces its mission to be an industry-preferred top university where students and faculty are continually exposed to international standards, emerging technologies, and transformative learning opportunities.
By fostering global partnerships that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—CIT University strengthens its role as a top Philippine university that shapes the next generation of engineers and innovators. With its culture of excellence and growing reputation as the premier engineering university in Cebu, CIT University continues to empower its students to lead the future of sustainable innovation.