EMPOWERING STUDENTS, TEACHERS THROUGH SOLAR ELECTRIFICATION. One Meralco Foundation (OMF) and B&M Global Services Manila are bringing the benefits of solar electrification to Libis Elementary School in Antipolo, Rizal. (L-R) OMF Trustee and Meralco Distribution Utility Subsidiaries and Strategic Partnerships Head Engr. Ferdinand O. Geluz, OMF President and Meralco Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Jeffrey O. Tarayao, OMF Trustee and Meralco Chief Operating Officer Engr. Ronnie L. Aperocho together with B&M Global Services Manila Executive Director Lorie Barredo, and CSR Team Leads Kristine Pasia and Marianne Sandico.
More than 200 students and teachers at Libis Elementary School in Antipolo City, Rizal are set to benefit from brighter, technology-enabled classrooms as One Meralco Foundation (OMF) and B&M Global Services Manila join forces to bring solar power to the remote public school.
Through OMF’s School Electrification Program, a solar photovoltaic system will be installed to provide the school with a stable and sustainable source of electricity. The system will power classrooms and essential facilities, including computers, television sets and other multimedia equipment used by teachers in preparing lessons and delivering instruction.
For the school’s students—many of whom belong to the indigenous Dumagat Remontado community—the project promises more than just electricity. Reliable access to technology will allow them to experience more interactive lessons, explore digital learning materials and gain educational opportunities that were previously limited by the school’s location and lack of power.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a deed of donation.
Representing OMF were its President and Trustee and Meralco Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Jeffrey Tarayao; Meralco Chief Operating Officer and OMF Trustee Engr. Ronnie Aperocho; and Meralco Distribution Utility Subsidiaries and Strategic Partnerships Head and OMF Trustee Engr. Ferdinand Geluz.
B&M Global Services Manila was represented by Executive Director Lorie Barredo, together with Corporate Social Responsibility Team leads Marianne Sandico and Kristine Pasia.
Building Brighter Classrooms and Futures
Barredo said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, social inclusion and community development.
“Through this initiative, we are reminded that corporate social responsibility is at its best when organizations like ours partner together and fulfill the commitment, the shared purpose that we have to uplift communities and individuals, expand opportunities and help build a brighter future,” Barredo said.
She added that bringing clean energy to underserved classrooms could create a meaningful and lasting difference in the daily lives of both students and teachers.
Tarayao, meanwhile, described B&M Global Services Manila’s contribution as a strategic investment in education and long-term social progress.
“Your contribution is not only financial—it is strategic. It signals an understanding that investing in education infrastructure is foundational to long-term social progress,” Tarayao said.
“You are helping bridge a gap that has real consequences for children, teachers and families. More importantly, you are helping ensure that geography does not determine destiny. Together, we can accelerate progress where it is needed most.”
Aperocho emphasized that the project goes far beyond the installation of solar panels, wires and other equipment.
“It is never just about infrastructure. Electricity opens doors to knowledge and technology,” Aperocho said.
“For the children of Libis, this power will help ensure that geographical isolation and the lack of electricity never stand in the way of their education and their dreams.”
Since launching its School Electrification Program in 2011, OMF has energized 308 public schools across the Philippines, providing solar-powered learning facilities to more than 92,000 students and over 3,000 teachers.
With Libis Elementary School soon joining that growing network, hundreds of learners in the Dumagat Remontado community will gain not only a reliable source of electricity, but also a brighter pathway toward knowledge, opportunity and a better future.