Right after graduation, he joined National Power Corporation (NPC) as a Cadet Engineer, diving into the disciplines of construction, design, and planning for about a year. Soon after, he led the Electrical Design Section. He then climbed to Chief of Power Planning Section, and two years later, Chief of System Programming Division. Following this, he served as Assistant Regional Manager for Luzon, and in 1977, he became Regional Manager for Luzon. A year later, he was appointed Assistant to the SVP for Utility Operations, eventually rising to Assistant to the President. He was with NPC for thirty-six years (Interlock, 1985, p. 21). He delivered his farewell address on behalf of the retirees during the 49th NPC Anniversary and Special Tribute to the 1985 Head Office Retirees on November 4, 1985. In his speech, he recalled how the NPC became a training ground for young electrical engineers at that time. He was part of the group known as the Magic 87, who received further training courtesy of Meralco through its various operating departments, including planning, design, construction and operation of plants, lines and substations. This training made them confident, prepared, and qualified to hold responsible technical positions within the NPC (Interlock, 1986, p. 37).
1st Alamat ng Mapúa
ELECTRICRAL ENGINEERING
Engr. Rafael F. Florentino
A distinguished engineer who built a 36-year career at the National Power Corporation, where he advanced from Cadet Engineer to senior management roles overseeing planning, design, and operations. He was part of the “Magic 87” engineers who received advanced training through Meralco, equipping them to take on critical responsibilities in NPC. Alongside his professional work, he also taught Mathematics and Electrical Engineering at Mapúa for three decades, earning the respect of both colleagues and students.
International Endeavor in Electrical Research & Development
1991
In 1948, Engr. Florentino graduated with highest honors in electrical engineering from Mapúa Institute of Technology, earning the esteemed President’s Scholarship Medal. He ranked first place in the board exam for Assistant Electrical Engineers in 1949. Shortly after, he ranked first in the civil service exams for Assistant Electrical Engineers with a grade of 89.18% in 1951. A few years later, he secured second place in the 1956 Professional Board Examination for Electrical Engineers with the rating of 83.29%.
In his spare time, Engr. Florentino taught Mathematics and Electrical Engineering at the Mapúa Institute of Technology. His outstanding performance led his senior class to award him an Excellence in Electrical Engineering Faculty Performance rating for seven consecutive years until he stopped teaching in 1978 (Interlock, 1985, p. 21). He was also once the youngest member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Mapúa Alumni at the age of 32 (Faculty, 1957, p. 7).
He was recognized as Outstanding Electrical Engineer by the Professional Regulation Commission in 1999 for his outstanding contributions to the electrical engineering profession in various capacities as former Chairman of the Board of Electrical Engineering from 1993 to 1996, former Chairman of the CPE Council for Electrical Engineering, President of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (1989), Philippine Coordinator and Group Leader on the ASEAN Energy Cooperation Projects of the National Power Corporation; and for his excellent record as an academician/teacher at the Mapua Institute of Technology for thirty 30 years (The Awarding Ceremonies and Conferment of the 1999 Outstanding Professionals, Outstanding Accredited Professional Organization and Distinguished Service Awards, 1999).
A Glimpse into the Legend: The Insights of Excellence
The Board of Trustees recently paid a courtesy visit to Engr. Florentino at his home in Metro Manila. They had the privilege of meeting him personally and learning more about his remarkable journey
What inspired you to become an electrical engineer?
My father who served as my role model as I was growing up was a physician, a profession quite distant from the discipline of an engineer. And every time there was a need for simple household “fixes” at home, I get to be asked to play the “handyman’s role”—simple electrical repairs, switch and bulb replacement, etc. Funny but that is how it started. As I grew older, my interest and passion in numbers grew more evident. Marrying the two “unlikely” interests that I developed, as I was about to choose a college course, I picked Electrical Engineering as this I thought might blend two of my strong interests, strengths, and passion, and indeed I believe it did.
What tips do you have for young engineers to stay passionate?
As young engineers, the future is yours to shape. Always remember that an engineer’s way of thinking is rooted in focus and dedication to one’s field. By staying committed, you’ll unlock your full potential and make meaningful contributions, It’s also crucial to cultivate your talent and skills, combining them with the engineering principles you’ve learned from school and industry experiences. This blend will enable you to bring value not only to the professional world— whether industries, government, or private sectors—but also to the lives of individuals and families. However, to truly stay passionate and fulfilled in your career, one essential quality must guide you: the value of integrity. Practicing integrity means upholding ethical standards and being honest in every aspect of your work. When you build a reputation based on trust and accountability, your passion for engineering will naturally grow, and you’ll find deeper purpose in the impact you create.
What made you decide to become a teacher? What was your most rewarding teaching experience?
It has always been my passion and eagerness to impart knowledge and to be of help to people of the future. The continuous advancements in Science and Technology, particularly in Electrical Engineering inspired me to seek more knowledge, learnings that indeed impact in the day-to-day lives of people. But all that will not mean a thing unless I pass it on to more of the younger Electrical Engineering aspirants for their benefit from my acquired expertise. The most rewarding experience as a professor is when I see them years after and they come to visit me. They attribute that part of their success and where they are now is the inspiration they got from being once upon a time, part of my Engineering class. THIS inspires me to teach more with passion, dedication and devotion.
How did Mapúa prepare you for a career in electrical engineering?
Mapúa as an institution is prestigious. As an institution commanded great respect in Engineering. Graduating in this institution gives you an edge in your road to success. I myself looked highly on the school I dreamed of graduating from. As I aimed at landing a job at NAPOCOR, a well-respected corporation as well, my credentials as a Mapúan did not find it hard to make me land a respectable position in the government agency that I served and retired from.
Engr. Florentino, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, is a living testament to excellence, passion, and commitment. He exemplifies the true spirit of Mapúan: discipline, excellence, commitment, integrity, and relevance in his chosen field. His journey reflects not only hard work but also the dedication that inspires us all.
Achievements
- Recipient- Gold Scholarship Medal 1948
- MIT Faculty 1949-1978
- Outstanding Electrical Engineering Faculty In Mapua For Three Consecutive Years
- Former Assistant Of The Senior Vice President-National Power Corporation
- Former Assistant To The President- National Power Corporation
- Director-National Association Of Mapua Alumni (NAMA-1953)
- Director-Association Of Government Mechanical And Electrical Engineers Of The Philippines Incorporated (AGMEEP-1980)
- National President-Institute Of Electrical Engineers Of The Philippines, Inc. (IIEE-1959)
- Chairman-Philippine Technological Council (1991)
- Trustee-Philippine Federation Of Professional Association (PFPA-1991)
- Outstanding Service Award As Electrical Engineering Professional (IIEE-1983)
- Mapua Award (TOM- The Outstanding Mapua 1991)
- Outstanding Professional Award And Electrical Engineering (PFPA-1983)
- Chairman-Board Of Electrical Engineering 1993-1996