OMF powers off-grid public schools with solar panels

MANILA, Philippines — The One Meralco Foundation (OMF) has installed new solar facilities to power off-grid public schools in Antique.

OMF recently energized one-kilowatt peak solar photovoltaic systems for two island schools in Antique.

The projects are part of OMF’s bid to empower students with access to digital learning materials for their education.

The new solar facilities will power crucial equipment that will provide lighting and ventilation to create a more conducive learning environment for students.

It will also significantly contribute to the delivery modes for learning given that equipment such as printers, laptops, and televisions can now be used by both teachers and students.

“Investing on improvements in the learning environment of our students will help further not just their respective individual growth but also contribute towards the development of their community,” OMF president Jeffrey Tarayao said.

“With electricity access, these students can explore a bigger world of knowledge with the help of multimedia equipment that they can now fully use,” he said.

A total of seven schools in Antique have been energized by OMF since 2015, benefitting more than 1,200 students and 46 teachers.

The energization of off-grid public schools is an initiative of OMF under its community electrification program which also covers, low-income households in the Meralco franchise area, rural health centers and barangay health stations, water access, and agricultural and livelihood programs.

Tarayao said the program is an important initiative under OMF and Meralco’s sustainability commitment to spread the light and create lasting impact to underserved communities in the country.

“This also supports the government’s thrust to promote human and social development through improving education and lifelong learning, and eventually uplift the lives of Filipinos, especially those in far-flung communities,” he said.