The holiday season shines brighter as the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, officially illuminated its iconic Liwanag Park—a yearly tradition that combines festive cheer with a commitment to sustainability.

Located within Meralco’s compound in Ortigas, Pasig City, the park is open to the public daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM until December 31, 2024 to offer a dazzling showcase of energy-efficient lighting technologies as well as displays made from recycled and repurposed materials.

This year’s lighting ceremony, led by Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability while celebrating the season.

Liwanag Park’s enchanting light displays are powered by energy-efficient technology, underscoring Meralco’s commitment to integrating green solutions into its operations.

Visitors can revel in the magical ambiance of the light displays and enjoy a delightful train ride through the park’s expansive grounds, making it a perfect destination for families and friends to create holiday memories.

The park serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable energy practices, showcasing how technology and creativity can come together to promote environmental responsibility.

During the ceremony, Pangilinan reaffirmed Meralco’s role as a driver of progress in the Philippines.

“As we light up Liwanag Park, we reaffirm our promise to be a key partner in the nation’s progress. Meralco will continue to power industries, communities, and households with reliable and sustainable energy, enabling the Philippines to move forward toward greater economic development,” he said.

Liwanag Park’s use of energy-efficient lighting systems and its focus on sustainability reflect Meralco’s dual mission of spreading holiday cheer and advancing environmental stewardship.

One of its major attractions is a giant Belen made of repurposed copper wires. The park also features a 20-feet Christmas tree and tunnels of lights made of recycled meter covers and illuminated by LED bulbs.

Other displays include the Higantes Festival with giant puppets made from recycled paper and the iconic facade of the Lopez Building adorned with colorful lights showcasing various types of renewable energy sources.

From its captivating displays to its eco-conscious design, the park illuminates not just the night but also the path toward a sustainable future.

Celebrating 8M customers

The lighting ceremony coincided with another milestone for Meralco— reaching the eight million customer mark.

Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz underscored the importance of their customers in driving economic growth.

“To celebrate our eight millionth service, we see beyond just the number. Factory workers like Jaime Umali, our 8 millionth customer, are the backbone of our economy, driving growth and competitiveness in industries essential to our nation’s development. We celebrate you, our valued customers,” Geluz said.

This milestone represents more than just a numerical achievement; it symbolizes Meralco’s evolving role in fostering sustainable development by catering to the evolving power needs of industrial, commercial, and residential customers.

During the celebration, Meralco also recognized eight (8) light bearers – representing its different customer segments.

Joy Nostalg Solaris, one of Meralco’s partners, demonstrates the company’s commitment by utilizing solar power directly connected to the grid to power housing developments.

“This innovative approach to housing development provides cleaner power to the community and sets a model for sustainable development,” Geluz explained.

Meralco’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond festive events. Projects such as partnering with Metro Pacific’s sustainable farming ventures in Bulacan, which promote food security and provide local jobs, and partnerships with companies like Uratex Brand and RG Group to adopt renewable energy and green mobility solutions reinforce the company’s goal of driving a brighter and greener future.

Electrification initiatives

In the same event, Meralco also recognized the diverse communities it serves, highlighting the significance of this achievement.

Jeffrey Tarayao, President of One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the company’s corporate social responsibility arm, shared heartfelt stories of resilience and connection.

“We had the privilege of meeting some of the most amazing and most resilient people from the remotest corners of our more than 7,000 islands. Tonight, we are honored to share with you the stories of some very special people from far-flung and seldom-heard-of places,” he said.

Recognizing how education holds the power to transform lives, one of the OMF’s programs covers school electrification. The foundation energized 304 schools to-date, including Liguma Mangyan Elementary School in Oriental Mindoro and Calupisan Elementary School in Rizal, Palawan.

“Electrification in remote areas goes beyond lighting up classrooms. It illuminates the entire community, strengthens connections and brings hope for a better future,” Tarayao said.

The OMF also prioritizes energizing health centers to allow the delivery of essential health services even in far-flung places. One of its energized health centers is Sitio Kolanbong Health Station in Barangay Lamfungan, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

“These energized health centers symbolize not just improved healthcare but also the equity and dignity every Filipino deserves no matter how far their community may be,” Tarayao said.

The OMF also empowered farmers through its agriculture and livelihood electrification program so they can focus on increasing food production.

Meanwhile, the foundation also partnered with barangays and local governments to solarize water systems, like the water access electrification project with Barangay Water System Association in Sto. Nino, South Cotabato.

“With this sustainable solution, the community now enjoys the steady supply they once only hoped for, a testament how renewable energy can transform lives,” Tarayao said.

As the year draws to a close, Meralco’s dedication to lighting up lives—both literally and figuratively—remains steadfast. Through its innovative solutions, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Meralco continues to lead the way in powering a future filled with hope, progress, and environmental responsibility.