Teachers in Cagsiay III National High School can use multimedia equipment in their lessons to engage more students.
Four public schools in the coastal town of Mauban, Quezon are starting the new school year on a brighter note—literally and figuratively—as they now run on clean, renewable energy. Thanks to the School Electrification Program (SEP) of the One Meralco Foundation (OMF), students and teachers in off-grid areas are finally experiencing the benefits of having electricity in their classrooms.
More than 450 students and 20 teachers from Cagsiay III Elementary School, Cagsiay III National High School, Cagsiay III Elementary School–Annex, and Rosario Elementary School now have access to solar-powered electricity through photovoltaic (PV) systems. The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Meralco, OMF, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Meralco subsidiary MSpectrum installed the solar panels in these remote schools in Mauban through OMF’s School Electrification Program.
A new dawn for learning
Gone are the days of dimly lit classrooms and limited learning tools. With the arrival of electricity, teachers like Janine Galvan of Cagsiay III National High School say classes have become more engaging and dynamic.
“Now we can use laptops, projectors, and other multimedia tools to enhance the learning experience,” Galvan said. “Some of our students travel long distances just to get here—by boat or walking over an hour. They deserve the best learning environment we can offer.”
The availability of power has also allowed for internet connectivity, opening up digital learning opportunities for both students and teachers. This shift not only modernizes instruction but also strengthens digital literacy—a crucial skill in today’s tech-driven world.
Students in Rosario Elementary School are more participative in class when using the television powered by solar energy.
Keeping students in school
For Sherwin Calzo, a teacher at Rosario Elementary School, access to electricity is more than just a convenience—it’s a game-changer in keeping students enrolled.
“Naniniwala ako na mababawasan ang absenteeism ng mga bata dahil mas maeengganyo silang pumasok kung may maayos na pasilidad at modernong kagamitan,” he shared, highlighting how a better learning environment can curb dropout rates and student migration to far-flung schools.
Teachers, too, are reaping the benefits. From lesson preparation and grade processing to online training for professional development, they can now work more efficiently without having to leave their communities.
A vision for a brighter future
OMF’s electrification program is not just about powering classrooms—it’s about empowering communities. For Galvan, the initiative offers students a glimpse of a world far beyond their coastal town.
“Meralco is dedicated to making power access a top priority, even in rural areas,” said Engr. Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco COO and OMF Trustee. “By bringing solar energy to schools, we’re investing in the nation’s future.”
OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that school electrification creates ripple effects across communities.
“Providing access to energy in schools ignites hope and progress. It allows students to dream bigger, pursue higher goals, and uplift their families and communities,” Tarayao said.
Expanding impact nationwide
The School Electrification Program has so far energized over 300 public schools across the country, positively impacting more than 92,000 students and 3,000 teachers—and the numbers continue to grow.
This effort aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to prioritize electricity and internet access in schools, ensuring that even the most remote communities aren’t left behind.
In places like Mauban, solar panels are doing more than generating power—they’re generating possibility. And as these classrooms light up, so do the hopes and dreams of the young Filipinos who study within them.