^{In photo: Meralco leaders led by Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan highlighted the results of the company’s close collaboration with government partners to translate national policy directions of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. into concrete and consumer-focused programs that deliver measurable benefits for the Filipinos}

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and government energy officials on Friday reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing the Philippines’ national energy agenda, including renewable energy expansion, electrification of underserved communities, and consumer protection programs.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson (ERC) Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, and other national and local officials at the Meralco headquarters in Pasig City to demonstrate continued alignment on energy priorities.

Pangilinan highlighted joint efforts by Meralco and government agencies like the DOE and ERC to translate national policy into measurable benefits for Filipino consumers, such as strengthening the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program to ensure electricity bill discounts reach marginalized households, and streamlining the Net Metering application process to expand rooftop solar adoption, supporting the government’s target to energize one million households by 2028.

“We continue working to bring reliable electricity to unserved and underserved communities–using both legacy and innovative grid solutions,” Pangilinan said.

Meralco cited the hybrid solar project in Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon, which will provide 24/7 electricity to over 1,000 residents, and the MTerra Solar project, a 3,500-megawatt solar farm with 4,500 megawatt-hours of battery storage. The first 85 MW of power from MTerra Solar is scheduled for dispatch this month.

The company also secured a USD 2.8 million technical assistance grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to support a study on the potential deployment of nuclear plants, aligning with government efforts to explore safe nuclear energy adoption.

“We are deeply grateful that your government appreciates the importance in our work. Thank you for the direction you gave, and the productive partnership given to Meralco by your administration,” Pangilinan said, addressing President Marcos.

“In the spirit of partnership, let me recognize the continued support of Meralco—our largest distribution utility, for its critical role in advancing our energy goals,” President Marcos Jr. said. “From the Terra Solar project which will significantly expand renewable capacity through large scale solar and battery storage, to the electrification of remote communities and support of our net metering and lifeline rate programs, your initiatives help many Filipinos gain access to energy.”

Meralco emphasized that these milestones reflect joint efforts between utilities, government agencies, regulators, and communities, rather than actions by a single institution.

How can partnerships between utilities and government agencies accelerate renewable energy adoption and electrification across the Philippines?

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