One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) along with its beneficiaries from different parts of the country, meaningfully celebrated the Christmas season by marking another year of changed lives through its various community electrification programs.

Teachers and students from Oriental Mindoro and Palawan, a Doctor to the Barrio and barangay health worker from Lake Sebu in South Cotabato and a barangay kagawad who serves as the administrator of their barangay water system inSto. Nino, South Cotabato were among the representatives of recognized organizations who shared their experiences on how OMF's electrification programs transformed their immediate communities for the better.

Teacher Neljoy Bohol from the remote Calupisan Elementary School in Rizal, Palawan—a five-hour land drive from Puerto Princesa—shared how the electrification program paved the way for a brighter tomorrow for the Palaw’an indigenous community. Students who previously did not have access to learning equipment such as TVs and laptops can now make use of these during classes with the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) IN their school, further enhancing the learning experience inside their classrooms.

"There’s hope. As teacher-in-charge of these students, I always tell them that they have a bright future ahead; that’s why I’m very thankful for the light. It gives us hope," Teacher Neljoy shared.

In Barangay Guinsang-an in Sto. Nino, South Cotabato, farmers from the low-income community find it difficult to pay the electric bill for the barangay water system which is their primary source of water. This forces the barangay to tap funds originally allocated for social services to pay the electric bill and keep the water running. When OMF energized their water facility with solar PV system, residents can now bathe, wash clothes, or collect water without interruption, even during power outages. Having a renewable source of energy is also seen to reduce the number of residents who need to pay for water expenses.

“Our savings in maintaining the water system can be allotted for other projects. We will also strive to extend our facilities to more purok without access to water,” beamed Barangay Guinsang-An Kagawad Cris Valencia.

In the mountain community of Sitio Kolonbong in Barangay Lamfugon, South Cotabato, residents consisting of indigenous peoples from the T'boli, Manobo, and Blaan tribes had trouble accessing health services due to its remote location—about an hour away via motorcycle from the nearest hospital. When a health station was completed in October 2023, it lacked access to electricity and essential equipment, hampering and limiting the health services available to residents. After OMF energized the health station using a solar PV system, nebulizers are now accessible to asthma patients and health workers have proper lighting system as well as ventilation with the use of electric fans which both can help them perform better.. It is also enabled proper storage of vaccines without compromising its efficacy, so more residents, especially children and pregnant women, can be inoculated.

“Indeed, it takes a village to ignite and bring forth impactful and meaningful change, and we thank all of you for being part of that village. Together, let’s spread the light and continue to bring hope to every Filipino,” OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao expressed during the ceremony.

None other than First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and Meralco and One Meralco Foundation Chairman, Manuel V. Pangilinan joined OMF in its celebration, acknowledging each beneficiary representative during the Maliwanag ang Pasko 2024 program where Meralco also celebrated its eight millionth customer.

"To our community partners, you embody the blessings and transformative power of electricity. Your stories of hope and resilience inspire us to continue lighting lives, one connection at a time. Pinapatunayan ninyo na may liwanag ang bukas," said Pangilinan, who were joined onstage by the First Lady, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Meralco Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz, OMF President Tarayao and Meralco Head of Customer Retail Services Charina P. Padua.executives.

On a social media post, the First Lady lauded the initiative saying, “It wasn’t only Liwanag Park that lit up the sky. Meralco’s school electrification program also transformed lives by energizing schools, farms and health centers in off-grid areas around the country.”

The festivity is made more special with the performances of Martin Nievera, Jona, Sam Concepcion, Christian Bautista, Aicelle Santos, The Company, Ateneo Chamber Singers, and Dylan Menor during the program to formally open the Meralco Liwanag Park 2024.

These are but a few stories of the many transformed and empowered lives true to the mission of Meralco through OMF. With its collective efforts in spreading light and hope, more Filipinos can experience the good life they deserve.