In the wake of the powerful earthquake that rocked Southern Mindanao, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) have launched a comprehensive relief and recovery initiative to assist affected communities and support ongoing restoration efforts in the region.
As part of its immediate humanitarian response, OMF has begun distributing food packs, bottled and potable water, and solar-powered lanterns to families displaced by the disaster across General Santos City, Sarangani Province, and neighboring areas. The foundation is also coordinating closely with local partners to ensure critical aid reaches evacuation centers, hospitals, and communities facing urgent needs.
Among the first recipients of assistance are healthcare institutions serving earthquake-hit residents, including St. Elizabeth Hospital, Socsargen County Hospital, and other medical facilities that requested emergency supplies such as drinking water. Additional relief operations are being prepared for coastal communities in Glan, Sarangani, where residents continue to recover from the impact of the quake.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Southern Mindanao, especially the families, communities, health workers, emergency responders, and utility personnel affected by this earthquake,” said Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho.
“In times like these, the spirit of bayanihan becomes even more meaningful. Meralco and One Meralco Foundation remain committed to extending assistance to affected communities and supporting recovery efforts in whatever way we can,” he added.
Beyond relief operations, Meralco has also extended technical assistance to South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO II), whose service area covers General Santos City and parts of Sarangani and South Cotabato.
As part of its long-standing commitment to industry cooperation and disaster response, Meralco formally offered to deploy line crews, technical personnel, and specialized equipment to help accelerate power system inspections, repairs, and restoration activities in areas impacted by the earthquake.
“As an expression of solidarity with SOCOTECO II and the communities it serves, Meralco has offered manpower and equipment support to assist in restoration efforts, subject to the necessary coordination arrangements,” Aperocho said.
Recognizing the vital role of reliable electricity in emergency response and recovery, Meralco and OMF said they will continue working with local government units, electric cooperatives, and partner organizations to assess evolving needs and provide additional assistance as communities rebuild in the aftermath of the disaster.
