BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Fishing Community In Bulacan Gets Lights, Savings, And Power For The First Time
Contributed Photo
HAGONOY, BULACAN — Life just got brighter for 47 low-income families in the fishing community of Barangay Pugad. Thanks to the Household Electrification Program (HEP) of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led One Meralco Foundation (OMF), these households now have safe and reliable electricity.
In partnership with Meralco’s Malolos Business Center and Plaridel Sector Office, along with the local government, OMF provided both technical and financial assistance so families could have their own service accounts with the power distributor.
Isla Pugad, where these families live, is only accessible via a 30-minute boat ride from Paombong port. Many residents rely on fishing, boat rentals, and selling goods at local markets. Before this program, most households could not afford their own electrical service entrances and instead shared electricity through submetering.
Senior citizens Felino and Blesilda Fajardo, for decades, depended on a neighbor just to have access to power. “Our bill reached P300 a month just for minimal use of an electric fan and lights in the evening, especially when preparing our nets for fishing,” Felino shared.
When Meralco visited and offered assistance through OMF’s HEP, the couple joined immediately. With their own electricity meter, they now control their power consumption and save money. Excited by this newfound freedom, the Fajardos plan to add more home appliances.
Barangay Captain Jimmy Gregorio expressed his gratitude to Meralco and OMF. “From helping clear streets of dangling wires to assisting households in getting their own electrical access, these are crucial steps toward our dream of having every home energized, despite the challenges,” he said.
OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao emphasized the project’s impact: "Our work in Barangay Pugad reminds us that reliable power should be available to everyone, regardless of distance or accessibility. By conquering the logistical, financial, and geographical barriers to serve this fishing community, we enabled productivity and opportunities for these families to have a better life. Our mission continues to make sure no one is left in the dark."
Since 2011, OMF has energized over 85,000 low-income households within the Meralco franchise area through the HEP, helping families become more productive at home, increase income, and contribute to their communities’ progress.
In partnership with Meralco’s Malolos Business Center and Plaridel Sector Office, along with the local government, OMF provided both technical and financial assistance so families could have their own service accounts with the power distributor.
Isla Pugad, where these families live, is only accessible via a 30-minute boat ride from Paombong port. Many residents rely on fishing, boat rentals, and selling goods at local markets. Before this program, most households could not afford their own electrical service entrances and instead shared electricity through submetering.
Senior citizens Felino and Blesilda Fajardo, for decades, depended on a neighbor just to have access to power. “Our bill reached P300 a month just for minimal use of an electric fan and lights in the evening, especially when preparing our nets for fishing,” Felino shared.
When Meralco visited and offered assistance through OMF’s HEP, the couple joined immediately. With their own electricity meter, they now control their power consumption and save money. Excited by this newfound freedom, the Fajardos plan to add more home appliances.
Barangay Captain Jimmy Gregorio expressed his gratitude to Meralco and OMF. “From helping clear streets of dangling wires to assisting households in getting their own electrical access, these are crucial steps toward our dream of having every home energized, despite the challenges,” he said.
OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao emphasized the project’s impact: "Our work in Barangay Pugad reminds us that reliable power should be available to everyone, regardless of distance or accessibility. By conquering the logistical, financial, and geographical barriers to serve this fishing community, we enabled productivity and opportunities for these families to have a better life. Our mission continues to make sure no one is left in the dark."
Since 2011, OMF has energized over 85,000 low-income households within the Meralco franchise area through the HEP, helping families become more productive at home, increase income, and contribute to their communities’ progress.
Nov 18, 2025
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