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A laptop. A TV. A printer.

For most of us, these are everyday essentials — things we hardly think twice about. But in the country’s farthest communities, these are luxuries few have ever seen.

In the Philippines’ last-mile schools, electricity itself is a rare privilege. Teachers and students rely on chalk, paper, and perseverance — the simplest tools to build the biggest dreams. And yet, every day, educators in these remote areas show up with purpose and heart, determined to give their students the same opportunities as those in the city.

This World Teachers’ Day, One Meralco Foundation (OMF) celebrates these unsung heroes — teachers who go the extra mile, quite literally. Leading the spotlight are Analyn Miñao and Jonel Elnar, two educators who returned to their roots to teach in the very schools that once shaped their dreams.

"Teachers returning to their roots is a unique heroic act that gives inspiration to the many young students in these last mile schools. We honor them by our commitment to ensure that educators who answer this call are supported with resources they need, like electrification, to keep spreading light and hope for the next generation,”
— Jeffrey O. Tarayao, President, One Meralco Foundation

Analyn’s Story: From Banana Cue to Blackboard

Growing up in Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan, Analyn Miñao never imagined she’d one day be the teacher in front of the class. Her earliest inspiration came from her second-grade mentor, Sabina Lugo Lorenzo, who taught her cursive writing and English — and life lessons that would stay with her forever.

Having no electricity or access to media, young Analyn treasured every word her teacher spoke. She still remembers her advice:

"Kapag ikaw ay inutusan, dapat ito ay sundin mo nang may paggalang, na may kasamang ngiti sa mga labi at hindi nang may pagsimangot at pagdadabog.”

Her parents, both unable to finish elementary school, encouraged her to study hard — advice she took to heart as she sold banana cue to afford her school supplies. Today, the only college graduate in her family, Analyn teaches kindergarten at Calupisan Elementary School, tucked deep in the mountains of southern Palawan.

Despite long walks, limited materials, and no electricity for years, she finds joy in her students’ small victories.

"Lubos na kasiyahan ang nararamdaman ko tuwing nakikita kong dahan-dahan silang natututo... Napapangiti ako dahil nakikitaan ko sila ng kumpiyansa sa kanilang kakayahan, lalo na kung meron nang marunong magbasa sa kanila ng mga salita."

Jonel’s Journey: From Island Student to Island Teacher

For Jonel Elnar, home is the idyllic yet isolated Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte. As a student at Eugenia M. Quintela Memorial High School, he found inspiration in two mentors — Teacher Eunice Elep, who honed his English, and Teacher Michelle Orsolino, who nurtured his love for science.

"Tumatak sa isip ko ang sabi nila na mag-aral kami nang mabuti para maging maayos ang aming buhay at makawala sa kahirapan," he recalled.

Jonel’s teachers saw potential in him, pushing him to join competitions and believe in himself. He eventually left the island to pursue a degree in education — a move that opened his eyes to how different life was in electrified schools.

When he returned home as “Sir Jones,” he realized the unique challenge — and fulfillment — of teaching in island schools.

"Na-realize ko po na kahit sino ay may kakayahang maging guro, pero hindi lahat ay kayang maging guro sa island schools... matututo ka na pagbutihin at mahalin ang trabaho mo dahil makikita mo ang tiyaga ng mga mag-aaral mo."

Now, when his former students message him saying they, too, want to become teachers, his heart swells.

“Masaya po sa pakiramdam kapag ‘yung mga students ko noon ay nagme-message sa akin na Sir, I’m taking education po, lalo ‘pag English Major and sinabing na-inspire sila sa akin.”

When Light Reaches the Last Mile

Through its School Electrification Program (SEP), the One Meralco Foundation is helping bridge the education gap in these far-flung areas by installing solar panels in last-mile schools.

For teachers like Analyn and Jonel, access to electricity has transformed classrooms — and lives.

"Namulatan kong mag-aral nang tukarol o gasera lang ang gamit... Ngayon, mas maliwanag na ang bukas ng aming mga estudyante. Hindi lang po ang mga classroom namin ang lumiliwanag, ganun din po ang future ng aming mga mag-aaral," shared Jonel.

Light now powers laptops, TVs, and printers — tools that make learning more engaging and accessible. Students, once limited by geography, are now dreaming bigger.

“Ngayon, ang mga estudyante may awareness na malayo pa ang mararating nila dahil nagkaroon na sila ng mas malawak na perspective dahil sa edukasyon. Ang iba sa kanila nangangarap na ngayon maging engineer, pilot, o pati flight attendant.”

For Analyn, this progress brings new hope — not just for her students but for their families, too.

"Sana'y maging hamon ito sa mga magulang na makita ang ganda ng mundong naghihintay sa kanila dala ng maayos at may de kalidad na edukasyon..."

The Light They Carry

From the sun that powers schools to the words that spark dreams, light takes many forms. For Analyn and Jonel, teaching is not just a job — it’s a calling to keep their communities shining.

"Ang inspirasyon na nakuha ko noon kay Ma'am Lorenzo, at ang mga tulong na pinaabot sa aming munting paaralan, lahat ng ito ay nakatulong para maging mas epektibo akong guro para sa susunod na henerasyon. Taos puso akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong pagmamalasakit at inspirasyon sa guro na tulad ko,” said Analyn.

Their stories remind us: while electricity powers classrooms, it’s teachers who power dreams.