Selected Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages will enjoy the "gift of light" with electricity in their homes in time for the holiday season through the "Dangal Program," a Meralco project. It is the company’s approach to electrification in depressed communities which is anchored on the GK principle of restoring dignity among poor communities.

"The Dangal Program symbolizes the way Meralco regards the poor," said GK head for operations Jose Mari Oquiñena. "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 days leading to Christmas, several GK sites will be installed with their own electrical distribution facilities, with households getting individual metering systems. These are: Majada and Carmelray, both in Calamba, Laguna; Manolo in Valenzuela City; Maryville in Imus, Cavite; and Los Baños Ville GK in Los Baños, Laguna.

The event is timely 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 pre-empting 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 Baseco Compound, the first area to be installed with electricity in 2006. This was made possible through the partnership between GK and Meralco.

GK caretaker/ community leader Jun Valbuena said that 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.

The GK Baseco Compound is a model community with former squatters owning homes in a well-maintained environment, complete with communal facilities such as a plaza, clinic, coffeeshop, and Sibol Schools or learning centers offering free education, courtesy of other partner corporations.

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