Barangay Caponayan, Palawan – A newly installed solar power system is transforming healthcare access for residents of the remote island barangay of Caponayan, Cuyo, Palawan, enabling safer childbirths and improved medical services, according to One Meralco Foundation (OMF).
Prior to june 2025, pregnant women in Caponayan faced a challenging two-hour boat journey to the district hospital in Cuyo town for delivery, often requiring them to relocate weeks in advance and incur expenses of approximately ₱2,000 for boat transport and temporary accommodation. The lack of reliable electricity at the local health station hindered medical staff’s ability to provide adequate care, particularly during nighttime deliveries.
Midwife Jenie May Nadayao highlighted the positive impact, stating, “Ramdam mo yong kumpyansa na mai-di-deliver ng safe ang bata,” (You feel the confidence that the baby can be delivered safely). She further explained that improved lighting and power allow for easier use and sterilization of medical instruments, enhancing the quality of care.
The solar power installation, funded by proceeds from the 2024 Meralco Gold Cup, was completed in June 2025. OMF reports that the project empowers health workers to manage childbirth and emergencies locally, reducing the need for risky and costly patient transfers.
OMF’s rural health station electrification programme began in 2022 and has since extended to communities in Rizal, Quezon, Palawan, Iloilo, Sarangani, and South Cotabato, benefiting over 21,000 residents. The foundation emphasizes that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure upgrades.
“Electrification paves the way for quality healthcare that replaces the concerns of long and risky journeys of expectant mothers with the comfort of a safe childbirth,” said OMF President Jeffrey Tarayao. he added that the program also bolsters the confidence of rural health workers, enabling them to provide effective care even in isolated areas.
Caponayan is one of 52 barangays within the municipality of Cuyo, Palawan, a geographically isolated area requiring notable investment in infrastructure to improve quality of life. The Cuyo municipality has a population of approximately 22,328 as of the 2020 census.
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