The One Meralco Foundation (OMF) has distributed solar lamps to 120 beneficiaries on Pag-Asa Island, the lone barangay in Kalayaan, Palawan. The outreach, part of the foundation’s Light Up Pilipinas initiative, aimed to improve access to basic services for residents, including families, teachers, and uniformed personnel.
The project, which took place as part of the Guro, Pulis, Sundalo na May Galing, Puso, at Sigasig (GPS2) program by Metrobank Foundation, Inc., marks the second visit to the remote island in the West Philippine Sea, located approximately two hours by plane from Puerto Princesa. The solar lamps are set to aid residents like fishermen, who rely on them for illumination during night fishing trips, and uniformed personnel who use the lamps to enhance their monitoring efforts.
Fisherman Jonel Rapols, one of the recipients, emphasized the practical benefits of the solar lamp. “It will help me during the dark hours, especially when I need to check my boat or navigate the strong waves during the Amihan season,” Rapols said. “It’s also great for my family, as it charges for free in the sun.”
In addition to solar lamps, OMF’s outreach provided a variety of essential goods. Residents received grocery bags, sacks of rice, crutches, and walkers. Children were given uniforms, dental kits, sports equipment, and loot bags. Contributions from various groups also added books and other educational materials to the donation.
Jeffrey O. Tarayao, president of One Meralco Foundation and Meralco’s chief corporate social responsibility officer, expressed the foundation’s commitment to supporting Pag-Asa Island residents. “Our kababayan residing in Pag-Asa Island may be isolated by distance, but they are not alone,” he said. “We hope that through this initiative, we can support their resilience and productivity.”
The Light Up Pilipinas program, launched in 2021, has now provided solar lamps to more than 8,000 families and individuals across underserved areas, including fisherfolks, indigenous communities, forest rangers, and soldiers. By working with both government and private sector partners, OMF continues to extend its reach and impact, bringing light to remote corners of the country and empowering local communities.
