Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), through its corporate social development arm One Meralco Foundation (OMF), has extended its mission of spreading the light by turning over 1,000 solar lamps to 68 parishes under the Archdiocese of Lipa.
The ceremonial turnover was held in the historic town of Taal, Batangas and was led by Meralco Chief External and Government Affairs Officer Atty. Arnel D. Casanova and Meralco Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer and OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao.
Parish representatives were present at the event, which was also graced by Rev. Fr. Bernard Aguila, Rector and Parish Priest of the Minor Basilica and Parish of St. Martin of Tours and chairman of the Archdiocesan Ministry on Stewardship.
Casanova said the initiative underscores Meralco’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable and reliable energy solutions. By providing solar lamps to parishes, he noted, Meralco hopes to support the vital role these institutions play in serving and uplifting communities across Batangas.
The solar lamp distribution forms part of Meralco’s continuing partnership with the Archdiocese of Lipa. This collaboration has previously included the distribution of Noche Buena packages and the lighting of the façade of the historic Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian in Lipa City during the Christmas season.
Tarayao emphasized that access to electricity remains a powerful enabler of progress and development. He said OMF’s support for local parishes reflects its broader advocacy of improving lives by bringing light and hope to communities.
Meralco currently provides electricity service to several areas in Batangas, including Sto. Tomas City, Batangas City, and the municipality of San Pascual.