Contributed photo

For 86 families in Majayjay, Laguna, life just got a whole lot brighter—literally. Thanks to the Household Electrification Program of One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Meralco, these families now have their own electricity connections, freeing them from the burden of submetering from neighbors and giving them a chance at a better future.

No More Living in the Dark

Take Marissa Espares from Barangay Pangil, for example. For years, her family had no choice but to rely on their neighbor’s electricity, paying for a shared connection. But when that neighbor’s power was cut, the Espares family had to endure seven long months without electricity. Imagine trying to cook, study, or even just get through the night without light.

Now, thanks to OMF’s support, Marissa’s home is finally energized. The biggest change? Her five school-aged children can study with proper lighting, making learning easier and helping them dream bigger.

More Savings, More Opportunities

For Shiela May Exconde, also from Barangay Pangil, getting her own electricity connection means huge savings. She used to pay her neighbor P1,500 a month just to use a single lightbulb, an electric fan, and sometimes a TV. With her own connection, her bill is now only half of what she used to pay. That extra money? She plans to save up for a refrigerator—maybe even start a small business selling ice candy or halo-halo to help support her family.

Beyond Just Electricity

This project isn’t just about lighting homes—it’s about empowering communities. Majayjay Mayor Romeo P. Amorado pointed out that residents having their own electricity also helps prevent fire hazards caused by electrical overload, a common issue with submetering.

OMF President Jeffrey Tarayao put it best:
“Energizing homes empower not just the individual households who benefit from it directly, but also their community. When individual households grow and improve, they can become better contributors to society—helping not just their community, but the country as a whole.”

Since launching in 2011, OMF’s Household Electrification Program has already brought power to over 79,000 households. The goal? 100% electrification across the Philippines by 2028—making sure no family has to live in the dark again.

For families like the Espareses and the Excondes, electricity isn’t just about having light—it’s about having hope, opportunity, and a brighter future ahead.