As the Christmas season brought renewed hope across communities, the One Meralco Foundation (OMF)—the corporate social responsibility arm of Manila Electric Company (Meralco)—carried forward its mission of spreading light, literally and figuratively, to Filipino families who have long lived without safe and reliable electricity.
Through its Household Electrification Program (HEP), the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led foundation energized the homes of 1,766 low-income families during the holidays, benefiting communities in Manila, Pasig, Parañaque, Quezon City, and parts of Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Marikina, Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Quezon province.
By providing legal and direct electricity connections, the program significantly reduced electrical hazards linked to illegal wiring and costly submetering, while allowing families to pay standard Meralco rates.
Sparking holiday hope in Quezon City
About a week before Christmas Day, OMF, Meralco, and the Quezon City local government energized households in Barangays South Triangle and Escopa 3, as well as communities in West Riverside, F. Carlos, Sitio Militar, K-9 Compound, Greenland, and Tumana.
The community launch was attended by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, barangay officials, and Meralco and OMF leaders.
“Access to electricity is not just a symbol of progress—it is an enabler of basic human rights,” Belmonte said in Filipino. “By bringing light to homes that need it most, we are uplifting quality of life and offering families a better future.”
Meralco Head of Customer Retail Services Charina P. Padua noted that beneficiaries had previously relied on unsafe connections. “These families now enjoy safe, reliable, and legal electricity service. Together with OMF and the Quezon City government, Meralco remains committed to reaching more households in need,” she said.
Bringing light and dignity to Manila households
OMF also energized 179 low-income households across four barangays in Manila ahead of Christmas, including Barangay 581, Barangays 254 and 107, and Barangay 649 in Baseco Compound.
Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso, represented by City Administrator Atty. Eduardo P. Quintos XIV, said the initiative goes beyond power connections. “This is about improving lives. By energizing our barangays, we empower families and build a brighter future for Manila,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, senior citizen Crisanta Prado Sandrino, had lived in Barangay 581 for nearly 50 years and previously paid around ₱1,000 monthly through submetering for minimal electricity use. With her own Meralco account, she can now monitor consumption and pay lower, standard rates.
Illuminating homes in Pasig City
In Pasig City, 168 low-income households received direct access to electricity through the program. The community launch was attended by Mayor Vico Sotto, local officials, and Meralco and OMF leaders.
“Using jumpers or submeters is dangerous and costly,” Sotto said in Filipino. “This project ensures electricity service here is finally safe and legal under Meralco.”
OMF Trustee and Meralco Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz emphasized that HEP is an investment in inclusive growth. “Beyond providing electricity, it strengthens families, empowers communities, and supports sustainable development and nation-building,” he said.
No one left in the dark
Beyond Metro Manila, 987 additional low-income homes were energized this year through HEP in Cavite (37), Rizal (187), Marikina (103), Quezon province (341), Parañaque (41), Mandaluyong (65), and Taguig (213).
“Our celebration of Christmas became more meaningful by lighting the homes of thousands of Filipinos who lived in the dark for years,” said Jeffrey O. Tarayao, Meralco Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer and OMF President. “Our mission is to help families welcome the new year with hope, safety, and productivity.”
To date, One Meralco Foundation has energized over 84,000 low-income households, supporting the national government’s goal of 100% electrification by 2028—a milestone that continues to drive productivity, inclusion, and improved quality of life across communities.