Manuel V. Pangilinan–led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has energized more homes in Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon, marking another milestone in its push to bring reliable and sustainable power to off-grid communities through its Microgrid System Project.
The ceremonial switch-on was led on December 18, 2025 by Meralco executives—Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz, and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) President Jeffrey O. Tarayao—alongside Department of Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, Quezon Governor Dr. Angelina D.L. Tan, and Mauban Mayor Erwin Dwight C. Pastrana.
“We celebrate the fulfillment of a promise that progress should reach every Filipino home. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when government, regulators, and the private sector work hand-in-hand for the greater good,” Meralco COO Aperocho said.
Timed with the Christmas season, Meralco—through its corporate social development arm, One Meralco Foundation—also brought holiday cheer to the island by lighting up the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel. OMF further distributed 100 Noche Buena packages to families, 300 Balik Eskwela kits with school supplies to students, and donated five printers and 12 laptops to barangay offices and schools.
Designed to provide 24/7 electricity to more than 1,000 households and businesses, the Cagbalete Microgrid is poised to become the largest microgrid system in the Philippines once it reaches full build-out capacity within the next three years.
Beyond improving energy access, the project is expected to achieve 100% household-level electrification on the island and deliver renewable energy that could offset up to 42,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—supporting environmental protection while advancing the country’s sustainable energy goals.