A social development arm of power distributor Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO) has committed to provide clean water and reliable services in underserved communities. The One Meralco Foundation (OMF) has initially installed a 3 kilowatt portable solar photovoltaic system to power up the Sitio Sapang Munti community’s integrated water system which provides access to potable supply that can be used for drinking, bathing, washing, and cooking.
As a beneficiary of the electrification program, the “Manila Water Foundation water facility can now filter, store, and distribute up to 10,000 liters of potable water through communal faucets 24/7.” Thus, the OMF would now be able to provide over 100 families of the Dumagat Tribe living in Norzagaray, Bulacan clean and safe water supply – following the energization of the community by the OMF
The OMF’s efforts to provide basic services to underserved communities has been expanded to beefing up its sustainable reforestation program which seeks to contribute to environment preservation and community improvement. Also, the OMF’s “One For Trees” program, they provide funds for reforestation activities like establishing nurseries, planting of seedlings adapted to certain seasons, and continually monitor some five million trees planted in the communities by 2025. The trees help provide livelihood to residents living around the conservation areas.
MY COMMENT:
The One Meralco Foundation commitment to provide underserved communities with basic needs such as potable water and sustainable livelihood is worth emulating. My wish is for OMF to extend the same program to other areas where Tribal groups have settled. An example is the community of Manubo in an upland barangay of Burauen, Leyte. While the Burauen LGU has been generously extending assistance in the form of hanging bridge, school site and buildings, and medical needs, NGOs like the OMF are much welcomed.
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