1980 – Together with the Center for Research and Communication (now University of Asia and the Pacific) and the National Science Development Board, MFI organizes the pivotal Skilled Manpower for the Eighties Congress. Among its objectives is the need to develop middle-level technical human power. achieved through the conception of the Meralco Foundation Center for Manpower Resources (MFCMR) as a center for skills and humanity development.
1981 – MFI formally launches its first three programs: a) the Technical Training and Testing Program (TTTP), b) the Research, Conferences, and Publications Program (RCPP), and c) the Information Systems and Placement Program (ISPP).
1982 – MFI launches the Tilapia Fish Cage Research Project to benefit 1,000 marginal fishermen in Jala-Jala, Rizal.
1983 – MFI graduates its last class of scholars at the Manila Technician Institute. The Meralco Foundation Institute is established as MFI’s first operations center. The Meralco Foundation Center for Professional Development (MFCPD), MFI’s training facility, completes its development in Talisay, Batangas and is established as MFI’s second operations center.
1984 – The Public Relations Society of the Philippines awards MFI’s Work Attitude Program (WAP) the Grand Anvil Award, known as the Oscars of Public Relations. The Manpower Information Center is established as the third operations center catering to systems effectiveness programs and placement services. The Agro-Aquatic Development Center in Jala-Jala, Rizal becomes MFI’s fourth operations center, where the Tilapia Culture and Research Project is launched.