One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has provided electricity to 86 low-income households in Majayjay, Laguna, helping families improve their productivity and end the practice of submetering electricity from neighbors.

Through its Household Electrification Program, OMF, along with Meralco Sta. Cruz Business Center and the municipality of Majayjay, supported families in Barangays Pangil, Panglan, and Gagalot in applying for their own electricity service connections.

Among the beneficiaries is Marissa Espares, whose family had to rely on submetering from a neighbor due to lack of resources. When their neighbor’s electricity was cut off, the family was left without power for seven months.

Now, Espares’ home has been energized, allowing her children to study and read better at night.

Another beneficiary, Shiela May Exconde, from Barangay Pangil, used to pay P1,500 a month to a neighbor for minimal electricity use. With their own power connection, the Exconde family now saves money and has more reliable access to electricity.

Both families now hope to save more and plan to purchase appliances like refrigerators and start small businesses such as selling ice candy or halo-halo to help with the summer heat.

Majayjay Mayor Romeo P. Amorado highlighted the safety benefits of residents having direct access to electricity, reducing the risk of fires from overloaded wiring.

OMF President Jeffrey Tarayao noted that electrifying homes empowers families and improves communities, contributing to the national goal of 100% electrification by 2028.

Since 2011, OMF has energized over 79,000 households, improving the lives of thousands across the Philippines.