The Manila Electric Company, the country's largest distribution utility has emerged as a beacon of excellence on the global stage as it bagged multiple accolades at the recently concluded 2023 International Business Awards.

At the prestigious awards ceremony held in Rome, Italy, on 13 October, Meralco was feted with a total of eight Stevies—four Gold and four Bronze awards, for its transformative programs centered on sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Recognizing the company's dedication to embedding sustainability at the core of its strategy and operations, Meralco was the sole recipient of the Gold Stevie under the "Sustainability Leadership Award in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand" category.

Also taking home, Gold Stevies were Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo and Meralco vice president and chief corporate social responsibility officer Jeffrey O. Tarayao, who was named "Sustainability Hero of the Year in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand" and "Thought Leader of the Year", respectively.

Ravelo was cited for his leadership of Meralco's sustainability agenda. At the same time, Tarayao, president of One Meralco Foundation, was recognized for combining thought leadership with practical solutions.

Another Gold Stevie was awarded to "Meralco's Spectrum on Solar Rooftop Installations: The Gift that Keeps on Giving," a three-minute compelling video on sustainability and the environment underscoring the myriad benefits of investing in solar power.

OMF's community development endeavors also came into the international spotlight, earning the company three Bronze Stevies for its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

These were the community energization project "Electrification for Development: Improving the Lives of Last-Mile Filipinos" that highlighted the transformative power of electricity in unserved and underserved communities across the archipelago; the "One for Trees: Empowering People and Communities to Nurture Our Forest, a practical approach to addressing climate change; and the "Powering-Up Communities During the Pandemic" proactive communications campaign that braving the challenges of community electrification during the global crisis.

Completing Meralco's haul this year was the Bronze Stevie for #Mbrace, the company's diversity and inclusion program that advances gender balance and inclusivity within the workplace.

Also known as "the International Stevies," the prestigious International Business Awards are the world's premier business awards that honor achievements and positive contributions of companies and working professionals worldwide. Since its launch in 2002, the Stevie has become one of the most coveted prizes globally.