Meralco's Martsa sa Eskwela CSR project: Helping schools march towards a better learning environment

MANILA, Philippines - The volunteerism spirit of Meralco is reflected in numerous ways especially when its employees share their time and talent to help a particular community. Since education is one of the pillars of Meralco’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a corporate-wide outreach dubbed as ‘Martsa sa Eskwela’ gave comfort room facilities this October and November to three public schools that needed them the most – the Sto. Domingo National High School in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna; Tonsuya Elementary School in Malabon City, and Inuman Elementary School in Antipolo City.    

“Education can fight poverty and change lives, so we are ‘investing in the future’ by helping improve the learning environment of public school children,” said Christopher Yap, Head of Meralco’s CSR Office.

Statistics have shown that a lot of public schools in the country lack the necessary toilet facilities for students. Some students even have to return back home just to use the toilet which significantly reduces the quality time for learning. Thus, the ‘Martsa sa Eskwela’ has identified public schools that have an urgent need for a toilet rehabilitation. Through this project, Meralco has constructed the structure which will house a toilet facility for boys and girls. All the bathroom fixtures were also included and were provided through a partnership with Hocheng Philippines. In Malabon, the project was implemented with the assistance of the ALFEE Foundation headed by Dr. Grace Francisco-Torres. 

“Martsa sa Eskwela will not only encourage learning among the students but instill a sense of pride in them since they know that their school is fully-equipped for their needs,” added Mr. Yap.

In Sto. Domingo National High School, Hon. Mayor Arlene Arcillas-Nazareno lauded Meralco for being true to its “may liwanag ang buhay” slogan by providing a necessary facility for school children. In Inuman Elementary School, Hon. Mayor Danilo Leyble revealed that the lack of toilet facilities in public schools is an urgent social issue today that must be addressed through public-private partnerships. In Tonsuya Elementary School, Engr. Benjie Vilacorta, Administrator of Malabon City meanwhile praised Meralco for being the “ilaw ng kabataan” since the project will greatly benefit the kids and promote cleanliness in the school.

The principals of the said schools, Sto. Domingo’s Irma Ramon, Tonsuya’s Mary Lu Rocela Cabias and Inuman’s Bernadette Berber, reiterated the message of appreciation. “Thank you so much for providing us a decent toilet facility. With a better environment for learning, the kids will learn so much more from their teachers,” said Ms. Cabias. “A school which has a clean and nice toilet facility is a school that assures the parents that their kids are safe and healthy.”

“We at Meralco are not only fullfiling a mandate to distribute electricity to homes and businesses, we are also doing our share in uplifting the lives of people especially the youth,” said Mr. Yap. “We envision ‘Martsa sa Eskwela’ to reach more schools and make a difference and encourage active learning for the youth.”

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