Daily Tribune (Philippines) - HotSpot
The economies of sharing
The art of giving
Poverty in the Philippines and the lack of education among some of its citizens then, as now, are two faces of the same coin. One sees their manifestation simply by strolling through the streets of Metro Manila, for instance, regardless of whether one does so in the streets of Tondo and San Andres in Manila, the Batasan Hills and Bagong Silangan in Quezon City and West Rembo
and Payatas in Makati City.
The physical condition and quality of life in the more unfortunate areas of Metro Manila are some of the worst anywhere in the country. From the rationing of water to the intermittent loss of power, from the availability of basic education and the low quality of available education, residents in these places understand that such is life but survive it all just the same.
But can something be done to help rescue the less fortunate from their destitute existence?
The Manila Electric Company ( Meralco) and its charity unit leaned on what they do best to help ease the lives of the poverty- stricken in ways both simple but effective.
“We organized One Meralco Foundation Inc. and we thought the best way for us to serve the country is using what we’re good at and that’s handling [them] electricity,” narrated Jeffrey Tarayao, chief corporate social responsibility officer of One Meralco Foundation Inc., in an interview with the Daily Tribune.
We all know that large swathe of real estate in Metro Manila are poverty- stricken just as we know it is the same in the remote and underserved areas in the various provinces.
The deprived places may be found in such distant provinces as Iloilo, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Davao Occidental and Surigao del Norte.
And the dilemma they face every day has to do with the lack of quality education and the scarcity in power.
These drawbacks have inspired Meralco and the Department of Education ( DepEd) to craft a solution
that is both sustainable and serves the common goal.
In 2011, One Meralco Foundation Inc. (OMF) helped provide ways that will break the barriers that impede the underprivileged from scaling the social ladder.
A year after, OMF branched out its School Electrification Program (SEP) whose primary vision is to deliver quality education by providing electricity to schools that for years did not have access to one.
“If you don’t have access to electricity, you don’t have access to many things,” Tarayao said of tasks or things that remain undone when access to electricity is nil.
Today, the SEP is recognized as one of the most successful social development programs by a single entity. The program has helped elevate the lot of communities and individuals and looks forward to helping even more students and teachers down the line by making electricity readily available.
Economies of Kindness
The Daily Tribune has had the privilege of being in the same room with the man, Jeffrey Tarayao, and the entity, One Meralco Foundation, who helped light the torch of hope for communities and people.
“For us who have the resources, we must be able to provide the opportunities,” the man said.
For more than seven years, Tarayao witnessed how people in far- flung provinces suffer daily from a simple lack of opportunity.
“That’s our job--- open up opportunities.” By opportunities, Tarayo meant lighting the way for students and teachers up the ladder of societal development that over time will help them go places.
“I have always believed in my 18 years in social development work with a corporate mindset, and, if I have to put it in economic terms, in what we call the economy of sharing,” he recalled.
He acknowledged that the greater part of the country is not only prosperous but expanding, but he also said some are not.
Tarayao said if only well- off individuals and groups share what’s in their pocket and closet, we can definitely see a society free of insufficiencies.
“If we don’t share [what we are blessed to have], it will be very difficult for the others to get into the ladder of development. They should be included in the things we plan on doing,” he said.
Tarayao said he is lucky to be part of an organization that strives to be more than just pursuing commerce.
He observed that in his entire stay with Meralco the business has not only created wealth or riches but has helped poor communities as well.
“We still present it (charity) as if it is an actual business case. But what comes into play is the mindset of our leaders,” he said, pointing out the conscious effort Meralco does by way of corporate social responsibility even as it remains a purely commercial enterprise.
Eyes on the Prize
In context, a business is built to do, literally, a trade. It offers products and services to the market and in exchange, consumers pay the corresponding price.
But what Meralco treat as more valuable is the effect it leaves on end- users which is more than just the after- sale.
“Will we be truly a successful company if the country we serve and operate is mired in poverty?” Tarayao asked rhetorically.
Meralco, according to its corporate values, should help propel and create a bright future for the company and its stakeholders--- the consumers.
The foundation knows the prize they should keep a close eye on.
Thus far, 225 schools and 74,444 students have been extended the opportunity to enjoy a brighter life.
“I am not saying that we are their only hope but somehow, we might be providing solutions,” he said.
Tarayao is optimistic the little steps they take will, one day, pay off. That a day will finally come when no student studies in the dark--- the prize One Meralco Foundation has set its eyes on.
“If we don’t share [what we are blessed to have], it will be very difficult for the others to get into the ladder of development. They should be included in the things we plan on doing.”