Powering homes in Batasan Hills
More than a thousand residents of Brgy. Batasan Hills, Quezon City now have access to power after One Meralco Foundation (OMF) energized 270 homes in the community of Nagkakaisang Tinig at Lakas ng Taniman through the foundation’s household electrification program. The initiative is a flagship advocacy of the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) which helps low income families in the Meralco franchise area --those who are unable to subscribe to an electricity service due to financial, technical and documentary impediments -- gain access to electricity and help them maximize the resource to increase their productivity. This is implemented in partnership with various stakeholders including Meralco’s business centers and sectors, community leaders and local government units in the Meralco franchise area. A ceremonial lighting event was held in the community recently to celebrate the completion of the electrification project. It was attended by Congressman Winston “Winnie” Castelo, representative of the second district of Quezon City; along with officers and representatives of Meralco and One Meralco Foundation. In his speech, Castelo emphasized the importance of access to electricity in ushering in progress to the community, which he said was among the city’s poorest. He encouraged the residents to maximize the benefits of the electrification project through entrepreneurship. As of August, more than 33,000 families in Metro Manila, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon and Rizal have benefited from the program.