DHSUD inks deal with Meralco for 4PH electrification projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for the provision of electricity services in housing projects under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

During the MOU signing on Wednesday, the DHSUD led by Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and Meralco, led by executive vice president and chief operations officer Ronnie Aperocho, committed to working together in developing power infrastructure aimed at speeding up the delivery of electricity services in 4PH projects in the National Capital Region and nearby areas.

“We view our collaboration with Meralco as a significant leap toward our mission. Meralco’s commitment to provide reliable, safe and efficient electric services to Metro Manila and nearby provinces directly contributes to the betterment of housing communities in major urban areas in the country,” Acuzar said.

Meralco, for its part, said that aside from the electrification of the 4PH projects, it would also educate and inform new homeowners about their rights and obligations as electricity consumers.

Under the MOU, a technical working group shall be created to study various means to deliver timely electrification services to 4PH projects and craft mechanisms for better customer experience for the 4PH beneficiaries as electricity consumers.

Acuzar said this new partnership with Meralco is a “big push for the 4PH program” as it is seen to address power supply issues, which have been among the major challenges in previous government housing projects.

Also present during the MOU signing were Social Housing and Finance Corporation president Federico Laxa, National Housing Authority general manager Joeben Tai and other officials from DHSUD and Meralco.

The DHSUD said it is also looking forward to discussing with Meralco the use of sustainable energy in housing projects, citing the company’s “expertise and network in the power sector.”