The U-Speak Cebu energy forum brought students and industry representatives together to explore the Philippines’ energy future. Through this initiative, Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT University) and AboitizPower encouraged young people to exchange ideas, examine energy challenges, and develop solutions for their communities.
Held in celebration of World Energy Day, U-Speak Cebu combined learning, dialogue, and interactive challenges. The activities focused on energy, sustainability, innovation, and youth participation.
Students from engineering, business, and communication joined the program. As a result, they explored energy issues from technical, economic, and social perspectives. The forum also connected industry knowledge with students’ ability to develop practical responses to real-world concerns.
Bringing Industry Perspectives to the U-Speak Cebu Energy Forum
The program opened with an Energy Conversation featuring three short talks and a fireside discussion. AboitizPower provided two speakers, while Engr. Irish Saludar represented CIT University. She discussed the topic “Energy and the Future of the Philippines.”
These sessions placed the country’s energy future at the center of a shared conversation. Students gained opportunities to learn from industry representatives and consider how sustainability and innovation affect their communities.
Moreover, direct engagement with industry leaders adds context to classroom learning. Students preparing for different professions can better understand how their future careers may contribute to addressing energy challenges.
The participation of engineering, business, and communication students also highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of energy issues. Technical expertise helps develop solutions, while business perspectives can assess feasibility. Meanwhile, effective communication helps communities understand and participate in energy initiatives.
Turning Shared Learning into Community-Focused Ideas
Following the discussions, participants joined an interactive Energy Quest and a Quick Pitch. These activities encouraged teamwork, creative thinking, and the practical application of ideas.
Organizers divided the students into six teams of six members each. This format brought together participants from different disciplines and encouraged them to collaborate throughout the challenges.
Each discipline offered a different perspective. Engineering knowledge could inform technical solutions, while business skills could help assess their feasibility. Communication skills, meanwhile, supported the clear presentation of proposals.
During the Quick Pitch, students developed solutions relevant to their communities. The top teams then presented their ideas in the final pitching segment.
Through these activities, the U-Speak Cebu energy forum gave students opportunities to connect energy and sustainability concepts with local concerns. They also practiced presenting proposals, exchanging feedback, and working toward shared goals.
By combining gamified challenges with solution pitching, the program turned shared learning into an opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Empowering Students to Shape the Country’s Energy Future
The partnership between CIT University and AboitizPower provided students with an avenue to engage with an industry that influences everyday life and national development.
Beyond introducing energy concepts, the initiative encouraged students to become active contributors to the conversation. Their questions, perspectives, and proposed solutions helped connect industry knowledge with community needs.
This approach reflects the value of learning beyond the classroom. When students engage with industry leaders and peers from other disciplines, they gain broader perspectives on complex challenges.
The U-Speak Cebu energy forum also highlighted the role of young people in conversations about sustainability and innovation. Through collaborative activities, students explored how their education could support meaningful contributions to society.
Ultimately, initiatives such as U-Speak Cebu help prepare students to think critically, communicate ideas, and work across disciplines. By connecting academic learning with real-world concerns, CIT University and AboitizPower continue to create opportunities for young people to participate in shaping the country’s energy future.