Cultivating sustainable growth
To further its commitment to sustainability, Meralco has expanded the implementation of two nature-based programs aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable agriculture: One For Trees, which has successfully planted over 2.3 million trees across the country, and PowerPlants, an urban farming initiative across Meralco facilities.
Meralco, through its corporate social development arm One Meralco Foundation (OMF), recently received over 1,000 seedlings from the Communications Electrical Equipment & Supply Co. Inc. (Celeasco).
The seedlings will be planted across various sites within the Meralco Operating Center (MOC) in Pasig City as part of the company’s urban reforestation efforts, to help enhance air quality in the bustling Ortigas business district.
“Greening our MOC is more than just a project—it underscores our commitment and resolve to protect the planet, beginning here in our own backyard,” Ravelo said.
“This is not only our commitment in making Meralco the lungs of the Ortigas business district, but it is really the propagation of a culture of malasakit and bayanihan for the country and our planet,” Tarayao added.
The 300-square meter PowerPlants urban farm meanwhile features an array of vegetables such as pechay, kangkong, mustasa, eggplants, malunggay, chilies, cabbages, tomatoes and ladyfingers.
Aside from vegetables, fruit-bearing plants such as strawberries, papayas, bananas, and calamansi are also grown in the farm. Meralco has utilized recyclable materials in the cultivation of PowerPlants, repurposing disposed electric meters and empty plastic bottles into pots to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
“We stay true to our word — first to deliver power, to light up people’s homes, offices, malls, factories at the least cost to our customers. But on top of that, we have attached the responsibility of preserving our environment,” Pangilinan said.
