The ‘gift of light’ from Meralco reaches Gawad Kalinga villages this Christmas

12/21/2008

A noteworthy Meralco project termed “Dangal Program” will enable select Gawad Kalinga villages to enjoy the “gift of light” — electricity in their homes — in time for the holiday season. Following the example set by the Gawad Kalinga, a movement of nation-building which undertakes the role of building communities in depressed areas, Meralco empowers communities through electrification of areas that are literally in the dark.

The Dangal Program is Meralco’s approach to electrification in depressed communities which is anchored on the Gawad Kalinga principle of restoring dignity among poor communities.

“The Dangal Program symbolizes the way Meralco regards the poor,” Gawad Kalinga head for Operations Jose Mari Oquiñena said. “They are willing to give them a chance to live normal lives and be productive members of society. We share these values with Meralco since Gawad Kalinga is all about changing behavior and mentalities. Given the right respect and a sense of dignity, the poor can respond accordingly just like everyone else. They can emerge as empowered stakeholders of the community and enlightened citizens of this nation.”

These coming days leading to Christmas, the following GK sites will be installed with their own electrical distribution facilities, with households getting individual metering systems. These are: GK Majada and GK Carmelray, both in Calamba, Laguna; GK Manolo in Valenzuela City; GK Maryville in Imus, Cavite; and Los Baños Ville GK in Los Baños, Laguna. The event is very timely, especially since by the holiday season, 686 families living in these GK villages can celebrate a Christmas of light, hope and dignity. It also supports Meralco’s mission to bring the benefits of electrification to the greatest possible number while preempting and reducing system loss levels, as well as ensuring safety in the communities.

Meralco was inspired to implement the Dangal Program in more Gawad Kalinga villages within their franchise areas after the success of the project at the GK Baseco Compound, the first area to be installed with electricity in 2006.

With the “gift of light” from Meralco after the “gift of shelter and an organized community” from GK, the informal settlers of Baseco Compound are no longer just squatting residents with wayward lifestyles. Dignity has been restored in the lives of some 858 families by empowering and transforming the community.

GK caretaker/community leader Jun Valbuena said on GK’s part, the foundation and its members are encouraging residents to pay their dues regularly with Meralco, as part of the group’s values formation programs. Through an organized neighborhood association, everyone is urged to lead sustainable lives and practice self-reliance and fraternity as a community.

And this Christmas, these GK villages can enjoy such benefits along with the “gift of light” from Meralco, for a holiday that will truly be merry.

For more information on Meralco’s CSR programs, visit www.meralco.com.ph.

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