San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has tapped South Korea’s Korail and the government-run Philippine Railway Institute (PRI) to provide extensive training to 115 engineering graduates for the commercial operation of its Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line 7 project in 2025.
In a statement, SMC said it has selected 115 engineering graduates from various universities in the country out of over 500 applicants, who initially underwent panel interviews and screening for the program.
“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,” said Ramon Ang, SMC president and chief executive officer, adding this is also aligned with SMC’s broader strategy of fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
The new graduates — mostly coming from Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Railway Engineering program which is the only specialized program of its kind in the country — have started their training in the country, while 40 cadets who topped evaluation tests were sent to South Korea to train under its national railway operator, Korail, also SMC’s partner in the MRT-7 project.
SMC tapped South Korea’s Korail and PRI to provide industry-level insights and understanding in train operations and maintenance for its railway cadets, who will become skilled train operators and traffic controllers.
Korail’s corps of railway professors began classroom lectures in Manila in May, with the entire batch of cadets in attendance. After further performance evaluations, the top 40 cadets were sent to Seoul to continue their training at the Korail facility.
This includes hands-on training using a driving simulator, exposure to core technology for driving and operations, railway control systems, first aid and emergency, and familiarization with the railway depot.
Meanwhile, 75 other cadets are undergoing the mandatory Fundamental Training (FT) course of the PRI, the rail transportation research and training center attached to the Department of Transportation.
The FT course provides an industry-level appreciation of railway operations and maintenance and seeks to provide aspiring railway professionals “the opportunity to learn technical skills and fundamental processes, with multiple paths to specialization and advancement within the railway sector.”
Cadets who graduate from the course become certified railway professionals, such as train operators, traffic controllers and maintenance personnel. – Myla Iglesias
