While tasked with the mission to provide one of life’s most basic needs, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is doing one more remarkable thing: changing lives in its host communities across the country.
Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the NGCP is not just powering homes but also empowering lives, fostering education, providing access to healthcare, and enhancing livelihood in communities where it maintains critical power infrastructure.
Anthony Almeda, NGCP President and CEO, shares the company’s vision: “NGCP’s commitment to social responsibility is deeply ingrained in our corporate culture. That’s why we created the CIAD (Corporate Initiatives and Advocacies Division), our CSR arm. Through CIAD, we address the development needs of our partner communities by implementing projects that enhance residents’ quality of life, empower their capabilities, and safeguard the environment.”
One of NGCP’s flagship CSR initiatives is its scholarship program, providing a lifelong treasure to beneficiaries: education.
In 2023, the company partnered with 26 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide to support 400 academically qualified yet financially challenged students from NGCP host communities. These scholars receive comprehensive financial support, including tuition and other fees worth P15,000, uniform and book allowances at P5,000, and a monthly stipend of P5,000, totalling a subsidy of P20,000 per semester. Many of these scholars are pursuing engineering courses, addressing the shortage of skilled engineers in the energy sector and contributing to the country’s workforce.
The NGCP also runs a scholarship for Indigenous People (IP), currently supporting 11 college students from the IP communities.
In another corner of the country, the Gamit ni Bulilit (GnB) program is supporting students with limited resources. Through this initiative, the NGCP has distributed essential school items to 400 schools, benefiting 100,000 learners nationwide. Recently, the NGCP turned over school items to regional offices of the Department of Education, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Healthcare access has also seen remarkable improvements in NGCP host communities. In Barangay Zone 1, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, the newly built health center stands as a testament to NGCP’s dedication to community well-being, providing residents access to medical services that were once miles away.
Meanwhile, in Batangas, the construction of a multi-purpose covered court in Barangay Tres has transformed community life. The court serves as a venue for various activities, from sports events to town meetings, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among residents.
In yet another flagship, NGCP’s Grassroots Rice-Based Agro-Enterprise Integrated Sustainability (GRAINS) project shows its commitment to sustainable agriculture. Collaborating with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF-Philippines), the NGCP held a technology demonstration site for smallholder rice lands, aiming to help them achieve higher productivity and income.
Environmental protection is another cornerstone of the NGCP’s efforts. The Wildlife and Nature Guardians (WINGS) Project is dedicated to protecting endangered species such as the Rufous-headed Hornbill and the Negros Bleeding-heart Pigeon. Communities in the Greater Negros-Panay Faunal Region are also learning about the importance of biodiversity, inspiring them to protect their natural heritage.
The NGCP is likewise always on the ready to deliver swift response to disasters through its Calamity Affected Relief Efforts (CARE) project, which has brought life-saving aid to countless families in the aftermath of major storms and other disasters.
The company’s infrastructure projects, such as the Community Water System Project (CWSP) in Barangay Maria Cristina, Balo-I, Lanao Del Sur, have also made a significant impact, providing residents access to a reliable supply of potable water.
Through its CSR initiatives, the NGCP remains steadfast in its mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Filipinos, serving not just as a power provider but a beacon of hope and progress for its host communities.