Empowering small business. In the mountain community of Sitio Sapang Saging in Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan, safe and reliable access to electricity allowed a beneficiary of the Household Electrification Program to start her own piso WiFi business for additional income stream and provide residents access to the internet.
Manuel V. Pangilinan-led One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has energized 170 low-income households in Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan—helping families move from costly and unreliable power sources to legitimate, stable electricity that can transform their daily lives.
For years, many residents of Sitios Compra, Alinsangan, Macawani, Ipo, Centro, Liwasan, Hulo, and Sapang Saging lived without their own electricity connections. Most relied on submetering from neighbors, often at steep costs. Through its flagship Household Electrification Program (HEP), and with support from Meralco’s Sta. Maria Business Center, OMF installed proper service entrances and provided technical assistance to help families secure safe and direct electricity access.
For Francisco Lagman and his family in Sitio Sapang Saging, this marked the end of an eight-year struggle. Previously, they paid a flat rate of P1,000 each month for limited electricity use—just enough for a fan, a television, and phone charging. Now, directly connected to Meralco, the Lagmans expect significant savings that will help fund their children’s education.
Partnerships for electrification. One Meralco Foundation, led by its President Jeffrey O. Tarayao (4th from right), brought its Household Electrification Program to low-income homes in Norzagaray, Bulacan, led by Mayor Elena L. Germar represented by former Mayor Alfredo Germar (center), with the help of Meralco, represented by Home & Micro Business-North Business Area Head Alleni O. Pascual (7th from right), North Distribution Services Head Sante C. Buella (3rd from right), Plaridel Sector Head Noel L. Espiritu (second from right), and Sta. Maria Business Center Head Reginald P. Romano (5th from left).
The program has also enabled families to start small businesses. Resident Melinda Borromeo, who benefited from the HEP six years ago, has since opened a sari-sari store, carinderia, and even a piso WiFi service, generating up to P8,000 monthly. “It has been a big help and much lighter on the pocket,” Borromeo said, adding that she encouraged her son to apply when OMF returned to their community to reach more beneficiaries.
Local leaders have expressed their gratitude. “Our partnership with OMF and Meralco has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our constituents,” said Norzagaray Mayor Maria Elena L. Germar. “With programs like this that bring hope to our people, tunay ngang may liwanag ang buhay.”
For OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao, the initiative reflects more than just electrification—it represents empowerment. “Seeing the light in homes that once faced darkness is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. By illuminating lives, we help build productive families and stronger, more resilient communities,” he said.
Since its launch in 2011, OMF’s Household Electrification Program has energized over 79,000 low-income households within the Meralco franchise area. Beyond providing power, the program has opened opportunities for families to be more productive at home, boost their incomes, and contribute to the progress of their communities and provinces.
