Powering Progress Together: Meralco’s commitment to the national energy agenda

In support of the national energy agenda, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has pledged to deepen its collaboration with the Department of Energy (DoE), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and other national and local government agencies to drive energy programs for Filipino consumers.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined Meralco chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, DoE Secretary Sharon S. Garin, and ERC chairperson Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, along with other national and local government leaders, affirmed shared commitments to social protection, renewable energy adoption, and universal access to electricity, which are priorities for the power sector outlined by the President in his 2025 State of the Nation Address.

At an event held at its Pasig City headquarters, Meralco leaders highlighted how the company’s close collaboration with government partners has turned President Marcos’ national policy directions into concrete, consumer-focused programs that bring real, measurable benefits to Filipinos.

“We are deeply grateful that your government appreciates the importance of our work. Thank you for the direction you gave, and the productive partnership given to Meralco by your administration,” Mr. Pangilinan told President Marcos Jr.

The President also toured an exhibit showcasing Meralco’s innovations and community partnerships. Highlights included the One Meralco Foundation’s solar-powered electrification projects for low-income households and remote communities, as well as a replica of an e-trike and charging station like the one installed in Valenzuela City through a partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the local government.

The showcase also included technology demonstrations, including the KLoad prepaid household setup with balance alerts, reload reminders, disconnection and reconnection notifications, and an easy-to-use interface; and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)-ready elevated metering configuration featuring compact, connectivity-enabled meters for remote reading, near real-time analytics, and simulated remote functions; and smart-home energy flow simulations.

Mr. Pangilinan cited collective efforts of Meralco and government agencies, including the DoE and ERC, to directly respond to the President’s directives by strengthening the implementation of Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program, ensuring that marginalized Filipino families fully benefit from electricity bill discounts; and streamlining the application process for Net Metering, making it easier and more convenient for more Filipinos to join the program in line with the administration’s target to energize at least one million households through rooftop solar by 2028.

“I am heartened to see that government and key stakeholders like Meralco continue to work in alleviating the burdens of our people. Marami sa ating mga kababayan lalo na mga nasa liblib na lugar ang nagangailangan na mas abot-kaya at maaasahang kuryente (Many of our countrymen in remote areas need affordable and reliable electricity),” President Marcos Jr. said.

In support of total electrification, Mr. Pangilinan said: “We continue working to bring reliable electricity to unserved and underserved communities — using both legacy and innovative grid solutions.”

Recently, Meralco launched a hybrid solar project that will soon give 24/7 power to over 1,000 residents in Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon. The project is set to become the largest microgrid system in the Philippines upon reaching the full build-out capacity of a 2.8 megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a 6.69 megawatt-hours (MWh) battery energy storage system, and four sets of 0.25 megawatts (MW) diesel backup in the next three years.

Pangilinan added that Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) will soon energize MTerra Solar, a 3,500 MW solar farm with a 4,500 MWh battery energy storage system, set to become the largest integrated solar facility in the Philippines.

Beyond renewable energy, Mr. Pangilinan also revealed that Meralco secured a US$2.8 million technical assistance grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to support a comprehensive study on the potential deployment of nuclear plants in the country —still aligned with the government’s ongoing thrust to explore the safe and responsible adoption of nuclear energy.

According to Pangilinan, these milestones were not achieved by any single institution — strong partnerships among the government, regulators, utilities, and communities are essential to continuously expand programs that reach and benefit more Filipinos.

Marcos: Meralco plays a ‘critical’ role in advancing energy goals

In his remarks, President Marcos Jr. praised Meralco’s initiatives, highlighting electrification projects that ensure no Filipino household is left in the dark. He also lauded Meralco’s commitment to renewable energy, which strengthens long-term energy security while reducing the country’s carbon footprint.

“In the spirit of partnership, let me recognize the continued support of Meralco — our largest distribution utility, for its critical role in advancing our energy goals. From the Terra Solar project, which will significantly expand renewable capacity through large-scale solar and battery storage, to the electrification of remote communities and support of our net metering and lifeline rate programs, your initiatives help many Filipinos gain access to energy,” President Marcos Jr. said. “After all, progress in the energy sector and in nation-building itself rests on shared responsibility.”

As one of the country’s major energy players, Meralco remains committed to supporting government initiatives and nation-building efforts–going beyond the delivery of stable and reliable electricity to advance long-term energy security that will help drive sustainable and inclusive growth nationwide.