As part of its continuing disaster resilience and response program that reaches beyond its franchise area, Manuel V. Pangilinan-led One Meralco Foundation (OMF) — the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) — swiftly extended assistance to communities in Masbate that were heavily affected by Typhoon Opong (international name: Bualoi).
Residents from the coastal barangays of Suba and Cadulan in Dimasalang, Masbate received relief packs containing essential food items to support their families in the aftermath of the typhoon.
Beyond food relief, OMF, in partnership with the Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc., also distributed solar lamps to students to ensure they remain productive even during prolonged power outages. These solar lamps help sustain learning while restoration efforts continue across the province.
The solar lamps are part of the Department of Education’s EduKahon, a ready-to-deploy school recovery kit containing hygiene supplies, writing and learning materials, and notebooks — all aimed at helping students in disaster-stricken areas continue their studies wherever they are.
“Thank you, One Meralco Foundation, for the lamps for Masbate,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara in a Facebook post, commending OMF’s swift action.
Through its Light Up Pilipinas program, OMF has provided solar lamps to more than 8,000 families, including fisherfolk, indigenous communities, forest rangers, soldiers, and residents in underserved rural areas — enabling them to be more productive at home and at work.
Working closely with local government units and partner organizations nationwide, OMF continues to deliver timely assistance, empower recovery initiatives, and uphold Meralco’s mission of spreading light where it is needed most.
“We aim to bring not just physical light, but also hope to Filipino families affected by disasters,” said OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao. “The solar lamps and food packs we distribute serve as a symbol of our commitment to help communities recover amid adversity.”