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Museums allow people, especially the young ones, to learn, be
inspired, and enjoy at the same time. The Meralco Museum,
inaugurated on March 10, 2003, in time for the company’s
centennial anniversary, was established not only to collect and
preserve documents, publications, photographs, artifacts and
equipment that are valuable to the utility company but also to reach
out to students, parents, and the public as part of its corporate
social responsibility (CSR).
“Through the exhibits at the Meralco Museum,
we inform the public about Meralco and how its history is
‘intertwined’ with our history. In a way, the museum helps
people become aware of their own colorful past and take pride in how
much work and effort the Filipinos have placed into helping the
country develop,” said Roberto Paterno, Meralco Museum consultant.
Since then, the museum attracts visitors from
all walks of life—from international dignitaries and CEOs down to
students from elementary and high school levels. Paterno said that
reaching out to the youth is one of the museum’s civic duties.
He said: “Students from different schools
comprise the bulk of our visitors as part of their field trip or
educational tour. They learn a lot about our nation’s history
through the development of Meralco and have fun at the same time
since we have attractions that keep them enthralled as they roam
inside the museum.”
Recent museum visitors were students from St.
Stephen High School in Manila, Pubcaran District in Caloocan, Gulod
National High School in Cabuyao, Laguna and Bacoor National High
School in Cavite.
“Aside from the history of Meralco, we
also want to teach people a little about the electric industry and
electricity itself,” said Paterno. “We’re hoping that they
will learn about safety, and the ways to save electricity in their
homes and schools.”
From the museum entrance, guests will instantly
feel as though they have stepped into a state-of-the-art aircraft or
time machine. At the ante room, the soft glow of the strobe lights
illuminating the walls of photographs of Meralco employees both at
work and play for the past 100 years sets the stage of a journey
back to history.
An impressive diorama shows how the electric
system works, small buttons light up various lights from the scale
model, informing kids of Meralco’s electrical system. There are
also interactive exhibits of how electricity is produced, as well as
different kinds of lighting. One contraption enjoyed by students is
a bike connected to a set of light bulbs that light up when someone
pedals on it.
“Aside from promoting better community
relations, particularly through the schools visiting our museum,
another important objective of the Meralco Museum is for us to come
up with something the employees will be proud of. It really helps to
know where your company started and just how much it has grown. It
gives them a sense of assurance, and pride in their work,” Paterno
said.
For inquiries, interested parties may call (02)
631-5575/ 1622-6938, or fax requests to (02) 632-8558. Group tours
have to be arranged in advance. Walk-ins are welcome. The Meralco
Museum is located inside the Meralco Compound in Ortigas, Pasig
City.
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