One Meralco Foundation brings solar-powered water access to South Cotabato community

One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has energized the water system of an underserved community in South Cotabato, providing residents with a more sustainable and affordable source of clean water.

The initiative, part of OMF’s Water Electrification Program, equips communities with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to improve water access. 

UNINTERRUPTED WATER ACCESS. Residents in Barangay Guinsang-an, Sto. Nino no longer worry about water interruptions now that their barangay water system is energized by One Meralco Foundation using a solar PV system./ ​Photo from Meralco

Before this project, local farmers in Barangay Guinsang-an, South Cotabato relied on deep wells and an electricity-dependent Barangay Water System Association (Bawasa). This made it difficult for many low-income households to afford their water share. Power outages also disrupted supply, further straining the community.

Through OMF’s solar-powered solution, the barangay now enjoys enhanced water security, reduced electricity costs, and the potential to extend services to more areas.

“Our savings in maintaining the water system can be allotted for other projects. We will strive to extend our facilities to more puroks without access to water,” said Bawasa Administrator Cris Valencia.

Meralco EVP and COO Engr. Ronnie L. Aperocho, One Meralco Foundation president Jeffrey O. Tarayao (fourth and third from left), Municipality of Sto. Nino MayorSulpicio Villalobos (second from left), Barangay Guinsang-an Captain Efren Penaflorida (third from right), and South Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Socoteco) power metering supervisor engineer Jeffrey Velasco during the turnover of the solar PV facility./Photo from Meralco

Meralco executive vice president and COO Ronnie L. Aperocho emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable electrification, stating, “being able to bring the benefits of solar power technology to various communities will help enable the good life Filipinos deserve.”

Since 2022, OMF’s Water Electrification Program has benefited over 800 households in Quezon, Bulacan, and South Cotabato. 

“By providing a sustainable solution to the community’s water system, we ensure that the residents today—as well as the future generation—can have access to clean and safe water for years to come,” said OMF president Jeffrey O. Tarayao.

This initiative reinforces OMF’s dedication to bridging infrastructure gaps and improving lives through sustainable energy solutions. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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