One Meralco Foundation: Illuminating Lives, Empowering Communities

Across the Philippines, a single spark of light can transform lives.

Through its Household Electrification Program that started in 2011, OMF has energized more than 79,000 households, contributing to the national government's aim of 100% nationwide electrification in the Philippines by 2028. I Photos: One Meralco Foundation

For One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), electrification is more than just providing access to power—it is about creating opportunities, uplifting communities, and fostering national progress.

With its flagship Household Electrification Program (HEP) and a host of sustainable energy initiatives, OMF continues to champion inclusive development through the power of electricity.

Brightening Homes, Empowering Families

Since its inception in 2011, OMF’s Household Electrification Program has energized over 79,000 low-income households, bringing the nation closer to the Philippine government’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% nationwide electrification by 2028.

Most recently, 86 families in Majayjay, Laguna, received the life-changing gift of electricity.

For years, residents like Marissa Espares and Shiela May Exconde relied on expensive and unreliable submetering agreements with their neighbors, limiting their access to basic electrical services while exposing them to dangerous fire risks caused by overloading, a common hazard in communities reliant on submetering arrangements.

OMF President Jeffrey Tarayao, illuminates the Foundation’s commitment to driving economic and social growth through its electrification efforts.

“Energizing homes empowers not just the individual households but also the entire community,” said Tarayao.

Now, with direct connections, these families and entire communities enjoy greater affordability, improved quality of life, and newfound opportunities to start small businesses, such as selling ice candy and halo-halo.

Powering Progress: Sustainable Solutions for Farmers

In Nueva Ecija, where agriculture is the backbone of local livelihoods, OMF has introduced a game-changing innovation: solar-powered mobile irrigation pumps.

These pumps provide sustainable and cost-effective water access to farmers in the Lupao Pag-ahon Agriculture Cooperative and Nueva Ecija Rice, Corn, Vegetable and Livestock Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NERCOVELIR), eliminating the high costs of diesel-powered irrigation.

Farmer Henry Ramos shared how the transition to solar-powered pumps has eased financial burdens, allowing them to redirect savings towards improving their farms.

“Our income as farmers has increased, especially since we no longer have to spend as much on fuel. Our other members also no longer worry when their irrigation system breaks down because we can bring the mobile solar irrigation pump to them. This way, their irrigation won’t be delayed, and their crops won’t be stressed,” said Ramos.

Meralco’s Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand Geluz lauded the initiative, calling it a testament to bayanihan—a collaborative effort toward sustainability and agricultural resilience.

“Through this project, we are reviving the true spirit of bayanihan (community cooperation). Together, we are shaping a future where sustainability helps ensure the continuous growth of the agricultural sector—not just for today, but for future generations as well,” Geluz, who is also a trustee of OMF, said.

By ensuring stable irrigation even during dry seasons and El Niño periods, OMF's initiative is helping farmers enhance productivity and contribute to the nation's food security.

Clean Water Through Solar Electrification

Reliable water access is a fundamental human right, yet many rural communities continue to struggle with inconsistent supply and high costs.

In Barangay Guinsang-an, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, residents no longer face water shortages thanks to OMF’s Water Access Electrification Program, which has installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to power local water facilities.

Previously, the community depended on deep wells and an underfunded barangay water system. Now, with sustainable energy powering their water infrastructure, households experience uninterrupted supply, reduced costs, and improved sanitation.

Barangay Kagawad Cris Valencia highlighted how the savings from lower electricity bills will now be allocated to expanding access to nearby puroks, benefiting even more families.

"Our savings in maintaining the water system can be allotted for other projects. We will strive to extend our facilities to more purok without access to water," Valencia said.

Lighting Up Pag-Asa Island: Hope in the West Philippine Sea

OMF’s Light Up Pilipinas Program, an initiative designed to uplift off-grid indigent communities through the distribution of portable solar lamps, has also reached Pag-Asa Island, the only barangay in Kalayaan, Palawan, located in the heart of the West Philippine Sea.

With limited electricity infrastructure, island residents—comprising fisherfolk, teachers, and uniformed personnel—struggled with night-time productivity and security.

OMF’s solar lamp distribution project has helped address these challenges, enabling fisherfolk to venture out to sea safely and aiding soldiers in their patrol duties.

“Our kababayan residing in Pag-Asa Island may be isolated by distance, but they are not alone,” Tarayao, who also serves as Meralco's Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, emphasized OMF's unwavering commitment to supporting even the most remote Filipino communities.

From Metro Manila to Remote Communities: Lighting the Path Forward

OMF’s impact extends beyond rural areas. In Parañaque City, the Foundation recently energized 100 homes in Barangay San Isidro, providing residents with independent access to electricity and helping them transition away from costly, dangerous submetering arrangements.

For longtime resident Maria Danica Voloso, the change means more financial stability and a better future for her family. "Now, we can finally save more," she shared.

Similar efforts have reached Caloocan City, where 98 low-income households now enjoy safe and legal electricity access. Senior couple Paulino and Rosita Entac are especially grateful, as the savings from their reduced electricity costs have allowed them to launch a small ice candy business.

"It's a huge benefit—our lives are much easier now." Paulino said.

Recognizing Community Champions

Last December, as part of its annual Maliwanag ang Pasko celebration, OMF honored the community leaders, educators, and health workers whose dedication has maximized the impact of the Foundation’s electrification programs.

Among the honorees were Teacher Neljoy Bohol of Calupisan Elementary School in Palawan, whose students now benefit from digital learning tools thanks to solar power, and the barangay health workers of Sitio Kolonbong in South Cotabato, where an energized rural health center is now equipped to store vaccines and operate nebulizers.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who graced the event alongside Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, praised the Foundation’s work in uplifting underserved communities.

“Meralco’s school electrification program is transforming lives by bringing power to schools, farms, and health centers in off-grid areas,” Araneta-Marcos noted.

A Brighter Future with One Meralco Foundation

With every household energized, every school powered, and every community uplifted, One Meralco Foundation continues to shine as a beacon of progress and hope.

From bringing light to remote villages to providing sustainable solutions for farmers and ensuring clean water for underserved communities, OMF’s initiatives are proving that electrification is more than just power—it is empowerment.

As the Philippines moves towards full nationwide electrification by 2028, OMF remains steadfast in its mission to spread light, hope, and opportunities, ensuring that no Filipino is left in the dark.