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February 19, 2026 | 12:00am

On Valentine’s Day 2026, a different kind of celebration unfolded - one grounded in a collective commitment to the country’s progress. That day, President Marcos Jr., together with national and local government representatives, joined leaders from Meralco at the company’s headquarters in Ortigas, Pasig for a significant milestone: a renewed and strengthened partnership in support of the Philippines’ long?term energy agenda.

Joining the President were Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan and Meralco chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP). The gathering underscored a shared commitment to turn the President’s policy directions into programs that deliver real benefits for Filipino electricity consumers.

It also showed how coordinated action among government agencies and industry partners is crucial to strengthening energy security, advancing cleaner technologies and improving service reliability across the country.

I was fortunate to be present and witness the event firsthand. As someone who has been with Meralco for more than 30 years, it was a profound moment for me to be reminded of the deeper purpose behind our work. A recognition that each effort, big or small, contributes to national progress and helps shape a more secure and sustainable future for Filipinos.

The event captured a powerful theme: that meaningful progress in the energy sector is possible when the right policy direction, regulatory support, technological innovation and on?the?ground execution move together.

MVP welcomed the President and guests, outlining how the distribution utility has strengthened its partnership with government agencies on the implementation of the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program to ensure marginalized families fully benefit from electricity bill discounts. He also announced improvements in the net metering application process, making it easier for households to adopt rooftop solar – aligned with the administration’s target of energizing one million homes by 2028.

In advancing total electrification, Meralco recently launched a hybrid solar project in Cagbalete Island, Quezon, which will soon provide round-the-clock electricity to more than 1,000 residents. MVP also confirmed that Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) is preparing to energize MTerra Solar – a 3,500-megawatt solar farm with a 4,500-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system - the largest integrated solar facility in the Philippines. The project is scheduled to dispatch its initial 85 MW of power this month, less than 15 months after its inauguration led by no less than President Marcos himself last November 2024.

Beyond renewable energy, Meralco secured a $2.8-million technical assistance grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to study the potential deployment of nuclear plants in the country. MVP emphasized that these milestones were achieved through strong partnerships among government, regulators, utilities and communities.

“We are deeply grateful that your government appreciates the importance in our work. Thank you for the direction you gave, and the productive partnership with your government and its agencies,” MVP told President Marcos.

As the country’s largest distribution utility, Meralco recognizes that its role extends far beyond delivering stable and reliable electricity service. Meralco is a partner in nation-building, working hand in hand with the government to ensure that every Filipino household and enterprise within our franchise area has access to affordable, sustainable and dependable power.

Often, the work of those in the utilities sector goes unnoticed or taken for granted. But on that day, it was genuinely heartening to see that effort acknowledged at the highest level. Moments like that remind us that the dedication of the men and women behind Meralco truly makes a difference in the lives of millions.

“I am heartened to see that government and key stakeholders like Meralco continue to work in alleviating the burdens of our people. Marami sa ating mga kababayan lalo na mga nasa liblib na lugar ang nagangailangan na mas abot-kaya at maaasahang kuryente,” the President said.

He added: “In the spirit of partnership, let me recognize the continued support of Meralco, our largest distribution utility, for its critical role in advancing our energy goals. From the Terra Solar project, which will significantly expand renewable capacity through large-scale solar and battery storage to the electrification of remote communities and support of our net metering and lifeline rate programs, your initiatives help many Filipinos gain access to energy.”

As spokesperson for Meralco, I am constantly reminded that energy is more than a utility, it is the backbone of inclusive and sustainable growth. Reliable power keeps factories running, allows hospitals to save lives, enables classrooms to shape future generations and supports the day?to?day activities that keep communities moving forward.

The event reaffirmed a truth I have seen throughout my years in Meralco: real progress happens when commitment meets collaboration. As “tagapaghatid ng liwanag,” our mission continues- to deliver reliable, accessible and sustainable energy to every Filipino we serve.