Contributed photo

More than 7,000 public school students across the country started the school year with brighter smiles and fuller school bags, thanks to One Meralco Foundation’s (OMF) Balik Eskwela project.

Led by OMF and powered by the collective bayanihan of Meralco employees, the initiative reached 82 public schools in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Palawan, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Cebu. One of the highlights of the rollout took place at Rosauro Almario Elementary School in Manila, where volunteers personally distributed school kits and spent time engaging with students.

The customized kits were designed especially for Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners, containing a storybook, alphabet flash cards, tracing workbook, pencil case with pencils, and a box of crayons—essential tools for children just beginning to read and write. Beyond distribution, Meralco employee-volunteers also conducted interactive storytelling sessions, encouraging active participation and a love for learning at an early age.

For parents, the support made a meaningful difference. Eurilyn Ricote, whose child studies at Ciudad de Strike Integrated School in Bacoor, Cavite, shared how helpful the kits are for families.

"Mas matututo siyang magbasa, may bagong storybook na siya. Hindi na rin bibili ang mga magulang ng crayon at flashcards."

Local leaders also welcomed the initiative. Speaking on behalf of Rosauro Almario Elementary School, Manila First District Representative Ernix Dionisio expressed appreciation for the continued support given to young learners, saying:

"Lubos po naming pinahahalagahan ang inyong patuloy na suporta sa sektor ng edukasyon, lalo na sa mga batang mag-aaral ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Ang inyong malasakit ay isang mahalagang ambag sa kanilang pagkatuto at paghubog ng kanilang kinabukasan."

In Cavite, Indang Mayor Vergel Fidel joined OMF and Meralco volunteers during the distribution at Dr. Alfredo Pio De Roda Elementary School, noting the significance of giving back to the school that helped shape him in his youth.

The Balik Eskwela project also reached far-flung communities, including schools in Albay, Bicol, through a partnership with the Meralco Employees Savings and Loan Association, Inc. (MESALA) and Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. Even students on the remote island of Caponayan in the Cuyo Islands, Palawan, benefited—ensuring that distance did not become a barrier to learning.

The success of the 2025 Balik Eskwela campaign was driven by Meralco employees and subsidiaries who pooled resources to expand its reach—nearly doubling last year’s number of beneficiaries. For long-time volunteer Aaron Sandoval, the experience continues to be deeply fulfilling.

"I feel glad and motivated to keep supporting these initiatives, knowing that every contribution, no matter how big or small, creates real change and truly reaches those in need," he shared.

OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao emphasized that the heart of the program lies in employee volunteerism and shared responsibility, saying:

"The success of the Balik Eskwela project is fueled by the heartfelt dedication and generous bayanihan of our fellow employees who are the true force in ensuring these kits reach the most vulnerable young learners. As corporate citizens, this is one of our many ways in investing in the next generation and helping their parents provide for fundamental tools so that they concentrate well on learning."

Since its launch in 2014, the Balik Eskwela program has raised over PHP 20 million, benefiting more than 50,000 students and 6,000 teachers from over 700 schools nationwide. The initiative continues to support the Department of Education’s mission to provide quality and equitable basic education—one school kit, one child, and one community at a time.