Education took center stage as the One Meralco Foundation, led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, brought its Balik Eskwela initiative to Angelita Zobel Elementary School, providing school kits to pupils in one of Batangas’ public schools.
The school kit distribution was carried out with the help of volunteers from Meralco’s Internal Audit team and was led by Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive Melanie T. Oteyza, together with Calatagan Mayor Rico B. Puno.
Students from kindergarten and special needs education were among the beneficiaries, receiving essential learning materials aimed at helping them start the school year better prepared. The kits were complemented by books donated by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and the National Book Store Foundation, Inc., reinforcing a multi-sector effort to support basic education.
“This is more than a simple distribution of school supplies—it is a message of hope and confidence that a brighter future awaits our children,” Oteyza said, emphasizing the importance of collective action in empowering young learners.
The Calatagan activity forms part of One Meralco Foundation’s nationwide Balik Eskwela project, which benefited more than 7,000 students from 82 public schools this year. The initiative reflects the foundation’s sustained commitment to education as a cornerstone of community development and nation-building.
By equipping students with the tools they need to learn, One Meralco Foundation continues to light the way toward a more inclusive and opportunity-filled future for Filipino children.