Just in time for the holiday season, Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and its corporate social responsibility arm, One Meralco Foundation (OMF), have brought safe and reliable electricity to 179 low-income households across four barangays in the City of Manila, turning Christmas lights on for families who have long lived without stable power.
Meralco and OMF executives, together with local government officials, led a ceremonial lighting to mark the families’ inclusion in OMF’s Household Electrification Program (HEP), a flagship initiative aimed at expanding access to legal, dependable, and affordable electricity for underserved communities.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, through City Administrator Atty. Eduardo P. Quintos XIV, said the program reflects the city’s broader commitment to improving everyday life for its residents. He stressed that electrification goes beyond installing power lines, describing it as a crucial step toward uplifting families, empowering communities, and building a brighter future for Manila.
The latest beneficiaries come from Barangay 581, Barangays 254 and 107, and Barangay 649 in the Baseco Compound at the Port Area. Before their homes were energized, many families relied on informal submetering arrangements with neighbors, exposing them to safety risks and unstable power supply.
Through close coordination with Meralco’s España–Tutuban and Malate Business Centers, the Manila Sector, and the City Government of Manila, OMF implemented HEP to help Manileños secure legal connections that provide safer electricity while enabling households to be more productive and financially stable.
Meralco Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer, and OMF Trustee Ferdinand O. Geluz underscored the long-term value of the initiative, describing HEP as an investment in people and communities. He said the program strengthens families, empowers neighborhoods, and supports inclusive and sustainable development, reinforcing Meralco’s role in nation-building.
OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao echoed this sentiment, noting that the project reflects the enduring spirit of bayanihan and strong partnerships between the private sector and government. He said the effort brings not only light but also opportunity, reaffirming OMF’s mission to ensure that no Filipino family is left in the dark and that communities are better equipped to thrive.
For hundreds of Manila families, the simple act of switching on a light this Christmas carries deeper meaning—signaling safety, dignity, and new possibilities for the year ahead.