The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), through its social development arm One Meralco Foundation (OMF), has energized the water system of an underserved community in South Cotabato which is experiencing challenges with water access.
The company said in a statement Tuesday OMF provided an 8 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system to improve water security in Barangay Guinsang-an that comprises at least 217 low-income households, mostly farmers who had been sourcing their water through deep wells.
Prior to the provision of solar panels, the community is experiencing issues in the affordability and reliability of electricity, Meralco said.
Cris Valencia, Barangay Water System Association administrator in the area, said Meralco’s project will also result in savings which can be allocated to social services and the expansion of water access to nearby areas.
“Our savings in maintaining the water system can be allotted for other projects. We will strive to extend our facilities to more purok without access to water,” Valencia said.
The parties did not provide the projected amount of savings to be generated by the project.