There is something profound in the way Meralco employees share their resources to light up the lives of fellow Filipinos who have less in life. It transforms them perhaps equally as it brings cheer to those they are trying to help.

By immersing themselves in volunteer work, Meralco employees are now more aware and understanding of the needs of communities, especially the marginalized.

Pleasure in helping

A team leader of the Metering Services department of the Meralco Plaridel Sector in Bulacan, Cecilio Castro takes pleasure in extending his hand to help others. In his 22 years as a Meralco employee, Castro has participated in various outreach programs for childcare institutions especially those held during the season of Christmas.

“Volunteering is one way for me to share my time and capabilities to communities who need assistance the most. I believe that it is in our blood as Filipinos and a way of life here in Meralco to be sensitive to the needs of your fellowmen, and from there take necessary action to help,” he shared.

“Most of all, it really is a commitment a person makes to sincerely share whatever he or she has without thinking of recognition or anything in return,” he added.

Sharing this notion of volunteerism is Nesto Yanto, a foreman also from the Plaridel Sector.

“Kapag dumarating ang mga bagyo wala kaming ibang iniisip kundi papaano makatulong sa mga komunidad na binabaha,” he said, narrating his experience during relief operations.

“Magandang pakiramdam na makatulong. Enjoy din ako na makapag-ambag para sa kalikasan. Mula noong lumahok ako sa tree-planting sa San Miguel, Bulacan, mas mulat na ako sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan para sa mga susunod na salinlahi,” he shared.

Light and hope

As a consumer welfare representative in Meralco Bacoor Business Center in Cavite, Tin Orido interfaces daily with customers applying for their own electric service connections. Taking part in different OMF-initiated volunteer activities such as the recent medical mission in Hopeland, Bacoor has enabled her to gain insights on how to deal with customers better.

“I consider volunteering a very special experience because I am able to meet a lot of different people inside and outside Meralco. Now, I can talk confidently to my customers and have a deeper and wider understanding of people especially those who are less fortunate,” she said.

“Fulfilling is one way to describe volunteering in communities. Itís a nice feeling that I am considered by Meralco as a bearer of light and hope to our fellowmen. For me, it is a good work life balance,” she added.

There are many more Meralco employees like Orido who are learning lessons on better customer service simply by getting involved in volunteer work and interacting with Meralco customers themselves. The transformational experiences they’re undergoing through OMFís volunteer work are making them more service-oriented and stronger … and the nation, a lot brighter.