Three remote schools in the towns of Rizal and Balabac in southern Palawan are now running on solar power after One Meralco Foundation (OMF) installed photovoltaic systems that ended years of studying without electricity.
Calupisan Elementary School in Rizal and Paliisan and Catagupan Elementary Schools in Balabac had no access to power before the project.
One Meralco said the new solar systems now provide steady electricity, brighter classrooms, and better ventilation.
Teachers can now also use televisions, laptops, printers, and Wi-Fi to show lessons and gather learning materials online.
OMF President Jeffrey Tarayao said the program offers more than power supply for isolated schools.
“What we delivered to these remote schools in Palawan is much more than electricity—it is the light of hope for every student,” he said.
“Made possible by the shared commitment of our partners, we are bringing opportunities to the farthest corners of the nation and ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey toward a brighter future for Filipinos,” he added.
The equipment donation came from the Meralco Employees’ Fund for Charity Inc. and Lenovo Philippines.
With the new tools, teachers say students are more eager to join classes. Myca Tamba of Paliisan Elementary said she is thankful for the support and hopes it will help them keep pace with developments outside their island community.
DepEd Schools District Supervisor Fe Agbon said the change gives students in remote places wider access to learning even without regular transport or stable communication lines.
OMF said its School Electrification Program has been running since 2011 and has energized more than 300 public schools, reaching over 92,000 students and 3,000 teachers across the country.
