The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has expanded its mission beyond providing energy access to the wider Filipino masses, incorporating animal welfare into its advocacy.

Joe “Manong Joe” Zaldarriaga, Meralco’s vice president and corporate communication head, shared his personal and professional commitment to this cause in an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE (DT).

“On a personal note, I have always advocated for animal welfare, particularly stray animals,” Zaldarriaga said.

Drawing inspiration from his own life story, Zaldarriaga spoke about his early struggles and the values instilled in him through those experiences. "I was an independent person and did not want to burden my parents too much. I know how it is to scrape to make ends meet. I was lucky enough to get to this stage, to this point,” he reflected.

Acknowledging those who have been part of his journey, Zaldarriaga emphasized the importance of looking back and giving back — recalling how his time as a member of the DT family gave him a platform to become the good communicator that he is now, as well as a trusted leader in the private sector.

‘Catropa’ initiative

Meralco’s standout effort in animal welfare, named the “Catropa” program, addresses the overpopulation of stray cats through spaying and neutering initiatives.

Likewise, at present, Zaldarriaga is leveraging his influence to raise awareness about the dangers of rabies and the importance of responsible pet ownership. “Unknown to many, rabies is still a concern in the country. We need to provide our fellow Filipinos with the knowledge and resources to address this,” he said.

Data from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shows that as of 2019, there were an estimated 13 million stray animals in the country, which all local animal welfare groups can help.

Last Sunday, 15 December, Meralco partnered with the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), Biyaya Animal Care, and the local government of Pateros for a one-day “Spay it Forward” campaign. Held at Pateros Elementary School, the event provided free spaying, neutering, and anti-rabies vaccinations to over 120 dogs and cats.

“The joy on the faces of those who attended was evident. This is just the beginning of Meralco’s campaign to solve the overpopulation of domestic animals, prevent rabies and promote responsible animal husbandry,” Zaldarriaga said in a Facebook post. He further assured the public that Meralco would continue to partner with other local government units and veterinary offices to expand the program.

Zaldarriaga highlighted the growing awareness of animal welfare issues and Meralco’s participation in the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return approach. While Meralco’s resources are modest, Zaldarriaga noted that their partnerships focus on exchanging knowledge rather than financial contributions. He also stressed the importance of treating animals humanely, describing them as “sentient beings” with lives that deserve respect.