SPREADING LIGHT AND HOPE IN 2024. One Meralco Foundation, along with its beneficiaries across the country, celebrated changed lives through its various electrification programs during the Maliwanag ang Pasko 2024.
One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), celebrated the Christmas season by highlighting stories of transformation brought about by its community electrification programs across the Philippines.
Teachers, students, health workers, and local leaders from Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, and South Cotabato shared how OMF’s initiatives have significantly improved lives in their communities during the foundation’s annual event, coinciding with Meralco’s milestone of reaching eight million customers.
EMPOWERED TEACHERS AND LEARNERS. In Calupisan Elementary School in Rizal, Palawan, students are now more attentive with the use of TVs and laptops in class after their school is energized through One Meralco Foundation’s School Electrification Program.
Empowering education in Palawan
Teacher Neljoy Bohol, from Calupisan Elementary School in Rizal, Palawan, recounted how installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in their school has revolutionized learning for the Palaw’an indigenous community.
“Before the program, our students couldn’t access essential learning tools like TVs and laptops. Now, they can use these resources during classes, greatly enhancing their education. This light brings us hope and a brighter future,” Bohol said.
POWERING BASIC SERVICES FOR COMMUNITIES. Residents of Barangau Guinsang-an in Sto. Nino, South Cotabato now has reliable water supply through One Meralco Foundation’s Water Access Electification Program. Meralco Chief Operating Officer Ronnie Aperocho (center) joined the beneficiaries during the energization of the water facility.
Energizing a barangay in South Cotabato
In Barangay Guinsang-an, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, the community faced challenges maintaining their barangay water system due to high electricity costs. This often required reallocating funds meant for social services to pay the electric bill.
OMF’s solar PV system has since energized the water facility, ensuring uninterrupted water access even during power outages. The renewable energy source has reduced operational costs, allowing the barangay to allocate savings for other community projects.
“With these savings, we plan to extend water services to more households in our barangay,” said Barangay Kagawad Cris Valencia.
Health services to remote communities
Residents of Sitio Kolonbong, a remote mountain community in Barangay Lamfugon, South Cotabato, previously struggled to access health services due to its distance from hospitals. When a health station was built in October 2023, it lacked electricity, limiting its functionality.
OMF addressed this by energizing the health center with solar PV panels. The facility now provides essential services such as nebulizer treatments for asthma patients, proper lighting and ventilation for health workers, and cold storage for vaccines, ensuring their efficacy.
“This initiative has significantly improved healthcare access for our indigenous communities, benefiting children, pregnant women, and others in need,” a barangay health worker shared.
RECOGNIZING COMMUNITY PARTNERS. Meralco and One Meralco Foundation Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan (fourth from right) met with OMF beneficiaries from Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, and South Cotabato during the Maliwanag ang Pasko 2024.
Celebrating community impact
First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and other executives attended the event, which was held during Meralco’s Maliwanag ang Pasko 2024 program.
“To our community partners, you embody electricity’s blessings and transformative power. Your stories of hope and resilience inspire us to continue lighting lives, one connection at a time,” said Pangilinan.
OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao added, “Indeed, it takes a village to bring impactful change. Let’s continue spreading light and hope to every Filipino.”
First Lady Marcos lauded the program, emphasizing its impact on off-grid areas: “Meralco’s school electrification program has transformed lives by energizing schools, farms, and health centers in underserved communities across the country.”
The festivities were marked by performances from Martin Nievera, Jona, Sam Concepcion, Christian Bautista, Aicelle Santos, The Company, Ateneo Chamber Singers, and Dylan Menor. The event also inaugurated the Meralco Liwanag Park 2024, spreading the holiday cheer.
Through its unwavering commitment to spreading light and hope, One Meralco Foundation continues to empower Filipinos, proving that a brighter and better future is within reach for all.