A remote health station in Polillo Island, Quezon has been energized with solar power, giving more than 3,000 residents access to essential medical services for the first time.

The Barangay Rizal Health Station in Panukulan now runs on a three-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed by the One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Manila Electric Company (Meralco). The system allows health workers to operate medical equipment such as nebulizers for asthma patients and fetal dopplers for pregnant women.

Prior to the project, the off-grid barangay had no electricity service, forcing residents to travel hours by boat to reach the nearest rural health unit in the town proper.

“This health station is more than just a building; it is a beacon of hope for the residents of Barangay Rizal. With electricity, our health workers can now provide essential medical services without the limitations we previously faced,” OMF said in a statement.

The energization is part of OMF’s community electrification program, which covers off-grid public schools, health centers, low-income households in the Meralco franchise area, as well as projects for water access, agriculture, and livelihood.

In 2024, OMF also powered a health station in Sitio Kolonbong, Barangay Lamfugon, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, extending the reach of its initiatives to underserved communities nationwide.

How can more energy sector players support rural healthcare through electrification projects like this?

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