Empowering Communities: One Meralco Energizes 255 Homes In Bulacan

One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has successfully energized 255 homes in the barangays of Pulong Sampaloc, Camachile, and Camachin in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.

Empowering Communities Through Electrification: One Meralco Foundation's program has brought stable electricity to 255 homes in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. Pictured are the grateful beneficiaries alongside volunteers from Meralco’s Sta. Maria Business Center, Plaridel Sector, and local government officials. | Photos: MERALCO

This initiative, under OMF’s flagship Household Electrification Program, has provided stable electricity service to low-income families, drastically improving their quality of life in an electrifying surge towards community upliftment.

The electrification project was a collaborative effort between Meralco’s Sta. Maria Business Center, Plaridel Sector, and the Municipality of Doña Remedios Trinidad.

The partnership facilitated the installation of individual service entrances for residents, granting them safe and reliable electricity connections. This significant improvement reduces the risk of fire hazards associated with illegal connections and the use of candles for lighting.

Doña Remedios Trinidad Mayor Ronaldo T. Flores praised the initiative, stating, "Our residents greatly benefited from this program, allowing their homes to have their own electric meter.

One Meralco Foundation, Meralco, and its contractors’ efforts to ensure access to reliable electricity will improve their daily living conditions."

The impact of the electrification program on residents’ lives has been profound. Leah Laron, a beneficiary of the program, shared her experience: “We bought a new freezer so we could also sell ice and other frozen products in our sari-sari store. With internet access, my children can now research online for their homework, and we can easily communicate with our loved ones.”

Another resident, Ana Marie Galvez, highlighted how the program allowed her family to better manage their electricity consumption and budget.

"For 15 years, we relied on our neighbor for electricity access. The arrangement was to split the bill equally among three households regardless of power consumption. To limit this, we only use one electric fan and essential lights. Now, we can conveniently use more appliances at home, including a nebulizer which helps me with my asthma," she said.

OMF's Household Electrification Program not only illuminates homes but also opens doors to economic opportunities.

Meralco Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer and OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao emphasized, “Bringing electricity to homes is at the heart of One Meralco Foundation’s mission. We empower not just the family by illuminating their homes, but we also unlock a world of possibilities for the community by enabling and enhancing productivity through new businesses which they can start, expand, and evolve.”

Since 2015, OMF has energized over 2,600 homes in Doña Remedios Trinidad, reflecting a strong partnership with the local government. This collaboration was recognized at the 2023 Meralco Luminaries, celebrating outstanding contributions to nation-building efforts.

OMF’s commitment extends beyond household electrification to powering remote public schools, livelihood facilities, rural health centers, and water access facilities, fostering sustainable development in underserved communities.