Bridging the gap

In this era of digital transformation, it is quite startling to learn that there are still communities all around the world that are deprived of basic necessities like clean water, sanitation, and electricity.

In fact, approximately two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, as reported by the World Bank.

Here in the Philippines, thanks to the concerted efforts of the government to foster development in remote regions and the private sector’s active involvement, the situation is progressively improving. According to the 2022 Philippines National Demographic and Health Survey, 97 percent of Filipinos now have access to at least basic drinking water services – a significant leap from the 85 percent that was recorded in 1998.

However, there remains considerable work to be done. Access to basic necessities is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right that should be universally granted to every individual, regardless of status in life.

This underscores the need to persist in our efforts. While commendable progress has been achieved, we must continue our endeavors to ensure that every Filipino attains 100 percent access to drinking water and other essential necessities.

Thankfully, numerous private sector entities are playing a pivotal role in this endeavor. One of these include Meralco, which thru its corporate responsibility arm One Meralco Foundation (OMF), recently brought solar-powered energy to a water distribution facility in El Nido, Palawan.

For years, the Cuyonon ethnic group in Palawan had been dependent on a diesel generator to energize their water distribution system, burdened by the costs of fuel and the unreliability of the service. The introduction of sustainable solar power by OMF to this community has effectively addressed these challenges, eliminating worries about fuel expenses and the volatility of diesel prices.

More than 300 households stand to gain from this project, freeing them from the burden of intermittent water service, which in the past had significantly hampered their daily activities and livelihoods.

What may appear to some as a minor contribution actually carries with it substantial influence on aspects such as hygiene and health, livelihoods, and the overall quality of life. The challenge of accessing water has profound impact on the community’s well-being, which often goes unnoticed by many. It curtails economic productivity and diminishes the quality of life of the people within.

Projects addressing basic needs with sustainable solutions are highly effective in bridging the gap between urban and underserved communities in remote areas. They empower communities, making them more productive and engaged members of society. Meralco distinguishes itself as one of the most proactive organizations in this endeavour, championing numerous projects that leverage sustainable energy solutions to uplift underserved populations.

Beyond powering water access with solar energy, Meralco, through OMF, extends solar solutions to off-grid communities, public schools, barangay health centers, and agriculture and livelihood facilities across the country. The transformative power of electricity cannot be understated, as it has a positive domino effect on people’s productivity, well-being, safety, and security.

In its most recent annual report, OMF  stated that it has delivered solar power to nearly 300 remote, off-grid public schools across the nation. This initiative has empowered thousands of students and teachers in some of the most underserved communities by facilitating multimedia learning.

OMF’s household electrification initiative extends electricity access to low-income households within the Meralco franchise area. Since its inception in 2011, this program has made positive impact to nearly 70,000 families.

Agriculture and livelihood electrification, on the other hand, delivers solar power to support agricultural and livelihood ventures, equipment, and processes managed by rural cooperatives and community organizations across the Philippines. The aim is to enhance their production capabilities and bolster the income potential of their members. This program commenced in 2022 with two pilot projects in Bohol and Davao de Oro.

OMF’s rural health center electrification initiative equips barangay health stations and rural health centers in remote areas with solar power. This enables them to utilize electricity-powered medical devices and equipment, particularly when they are located far from the nearest hospital. In 2022, the program launched with two projects in Rizal and Iloilo and benefited more than 10,000 individuals.

Complementing OMF’s electrification programs, Light Up Pilipinas distributes high-grade solar lamps to various beneficiaries, enhancing their productivity in livelihood and daily living. In 2022, over 4,000 families from 16 provinces, including fishermen, tree farmers, forest rangers, indigenous families, and more, reaped the benefits of this program.

In an era where the spotlight is on digital transformations and modern sustainability solutions, we must not forget the pressing need to bridge the gap between underserved regions and highly urbanized cities.

Progress should be inclusive and accessible to all, and modern technology offers the tools to achieve this with greater ease. Under the leadership of Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), the power utility is at the forefront of this charge, ensuring that sustainability leads to a better life for even those beyond its franchise area.