One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has energized 170 low-income households in Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan, through its Household Electrification Program (HEP).

The project ended years of costly submetering for families in Sitios Compra, Alinsangan, Macawani, Ipo, Centro, Liwasan, Hulo, and Sapang Saging, where residents relied on shared connections that charged fixed monthly rates regardless of usage. With direct access to Meralco’s service, households can now benefit from lower bills and reliable electricity.

For Francisco Lagman’s family in Sitio Sapang Saging, the change means relief from paying PHP1,000 a month for limited power use. The savings from their new connection can now go toward the schooling of his two children.

Other residents have turned electricity access into livelihood opportunities. Melinda Borromeo, who first became a beneficiary six years ago, runs a sari-sari store, a carinderia, and a piso WiFi business that generates up to PHP8,000 a month. The income comfortably covers her electricity expenses while supporting her family. She encouraged her son, now living independently, to apply for the program after seeing its impact.

Mayor Maria Elena L. Germar thanked OMF and Meralco for addressing the needs of underserved communities. “Our partnership with you has already made a meaningful difference in the lives of our constituents, and we look forward to our continued collaboration as we work together for the betterment of our community,” she said.

OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao highlighted the program’s broader goal of building stronger communities. “Seeing the light in homes here in Norzagaray which once faced difficulties in the dark is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. By illuminating lives, we help create productive families, and stronger, more resilient communities,” he said.

Since its launch in 2011, OMF’s Household Electrification Program has energized more than 79,000 households within the Meralco franchise area. The initiative not only provides power access but also improves livelihoods by enabling families to engage in home-based businesses and contribute to local progress.

By bringing stable electricity to underserved households, OMF continues to turn energy access into opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and community growth.

How has access to reliable electricity improved your household or community?

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