MASBATE, Philippines – In the wake of Typhoon Opong (international name: Bualoi), One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the social development arm of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), swiftly extended assistance to affected residents in Masbate Province—continuing its mission to bring light and hope to communities in need.
Residents of coastal barangays Suba and Cadulan in Dimasalang were among the first to receive food relief packs distributed by OMF teams. The effort is part of the Foundation’s disaster resilience and response program, which reaches far beyond Meralco’s franchise area.
Lighting up learning amid darkness
Alongside relief operations, OMF—through its flagship Light Up Pilipinas program and in partnership with Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc.—provided solar lamps to students to help them continue their studies even amid prolonged power interruptions.
The solar lamps were also included in the Department of Education’s EduKahon kits, which contain school recovery materials such as hygiene items, notebooks, and writing supplies for students in calamity-hit areas.
“Thank you, One Meralco Foundation, for the lamps for Masbate,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara in a social media post, commending the partnership that ensures learning continues even during power disruptions.
Extending light beyond boundaries
Since its launch, OMF’s Light Up Pilipinas initiative has distributed solar lamps to more than 8,000 families, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, forest rangers, soldiers, and underserved rural communities nationwide—empowering them to remain productive and safe, even without electricity.
OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to being among the first to respond when disasters strike.
“We aim to bring not just physical light but also hope to Filipino families affected by disasters. The solar lamps and food packs we distribute serve as a symbol of our commitment to help communities recover amid adversity,” Tarayao said.
Working hand-in-hand with partner organizations and local government units, OMF continues to uphold Meralco’s enduring mission: to spread light—literally and figuratively—where it is needed most.