By Leovy Ramirez | Communications Officer
The Future Renewable Energy Engineer (FREE) Scholarship Program is reaching an exciting new chapter. As the program celebrates its first graduates, a new group of Filipino scholars is preparing to begin their studies in China.
Together, these milestones reflect the growing community of young Filipinos being equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to contribute to the country’s renewable energy future.
Celebrating the First FREE Graduates
In June 2026, People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS) celebrated a major milestone as 13 FREE scholars graduated from Jiuquan Vocational Technical University in China.
They are the first graduates of the FREE Scholarship Program, which was established to give Filipino students the opportunity to study renewable energy and gain hands-on technical knowledge in China.
Their graduation represents more than an academic achievement. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for these young professionals as they bring home the knowledge and experiences they gained abroad.
With the Philippines working to expand its renewable energy sector, developing a strong pool of skilled Filipino professionals is essential. The first batch of FREE graduates is now part of that growing workforce, ready to put their knowledge into practice and contribute to the country's clean energy transition.
Welcoming a New Batch of FREE Scholars
While the first batch celebrated graduation, PACS welcomed a new group of scholars who are preparing to begin their own journey in China.
The third batch of FREE scholars will study at universities in China, where they will receive training in renewable energy and related fields.
For these scholars, the journey is only beginning. Before stepping into their classrooms in China, they are preparing for a new academic and cultural environment, learning the language, and getting ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Building the Skills to Succeed
For Filipino students studying in China, learning Mandarin is an important part of adapting to their new environment and making the most of their academic experience.
PACS is proud to celebrate five FREE scholars who recently passed the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Level 4, a Chinese language proficiency examination.
Passing HSK 4 is an important achievement for the scholars. Beyond meeting a language milestone, it gives them greater confidence to communicate, navigate daily life, and engage more fully with their studies and communities in China.
A Growing Community of Young Energy Leaders
From the first 13 graduates to the newest scholars preparing to leave for China, the FREE Scholarship Program continues to grow.
These milestones show what happens when young Filipinos are given access to education, international experience, and the opportunity to develop skills in a field that is critical to the country's future.
The first batch has graduated. A new batch is getting ready to begin. And along the way, our scholars continue to learn, grow, and prepare for careers that can help shape a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for the Philippines.
To everyone who has supported the FREE Scholarship Program, thank you for helping make these journeys possible. Your support is helping build not only individual careers, but also the next generation of Filipino renewable energy professionals.
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