Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has proven that power isn’t just about electricity — it’s about empowering people, too.

At the 2024 Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards of the United Nations Women last November, Meralco was first runner-up in the Gender-Responsive Marketplace category. The award highlights the company’s trailblazing efforts to champion gender equality, both in its workplace and across its business ecosystem.  

“This recognition affirms Meralco’s commitment to advancing a gender-balanced workforce and inclusive marketplace. It inspires us to further champion diversity and to continue building a brighter and more equitable future for our employees, customers, and communities,” Raymond B. Ravelo, Meralco’s first vice president and chief sustainability officer, said.  

“This inspires us to further champion diversity,” he added.

#Mbrace: Level playing field

The spotlight is well-deserved, thanks to Meralco’s flagship initiative, the #Mbrace Diversity and Inclusion Program. It’s not just a corporate buzzword — it’s a full-blown movement transforming the company’s operations from the ground up.  

In an industry long dominated by men, #Mbrace levels the playing field with policies ensuring fair hiring, equal pay and leadership opportunities for women. The initiative extends to its suppliers and contractors, pushing them to adopt gender-inclusive practices.

Studies show that companies with diverse leadership are more innovative, more resilient and, yes, more profitable. Meralco is living proof. By putting women at the table, the company is building not just a stronger organization but a more equitable future for its employees, customers and communities.  

As one of the Philippines’ largest corporations, Meralco’s commitment sends a powerful message: fostering diversity isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Trailblazing linewomen

By showing that inclusivity and innovation go hand in hand, Meralco is creating a ripple effect across the industry. It’s proof that a gender-diverse workforce isn’t just good PR — it’s good business.  

Karen Cañizares made history as part of Meralco’s pioneering batch of 14 female line crew trainees in 2013. A former student-athlete, Cañizares joined the Meralco Linewomen Training Program after being invited by a friend. Her journey with Meralco has been one of growth and determination. From her initial role as a line crew member, she has climbed the ranks and now serves as a quality inspector within the company.  

“There is career growth here at Meralco, and they will not treat you differently because you are a woman. Just like any other job, you also have to prove yourself to be promoted. As long as you persevere and improve your work, you will succeed,” Cañizares shared, reflecting on her decade-long career with the utility giant.  

Joining her in Meralco’s roster of trailblazing linewomen is Zuzette Castro, who brought resilience and grit to the team. Castro, 34, was among the newest linewomen who have proven their mettle in helping Meralco keep the lights on for millions of Filipinos.  

Before joining Meralco, Castro worked as a cashier at a gasoline station in Dubai. The pandemic brought her home, and with it, new opportunities. While scrolling social media posts, Castro came across a recruitment notice in the Meralco Careers Facebook page. At the time, she had just finished breastfeeding her one-year-old son.  

In 2023, Castro officially joined Meralco as a third-class line crew. Despite the physical demands of the job, she has continued to thrive.  

“It’s really hard to be a line crew, but I get motivated when I think of my son and, of course, the pride in my job that I can serve the public. My life has changed a lot since I joined Meralco because I can take better care of my son. We used to live together, now we are isolated,” she said, highlighting the sacrifices and rewards of her new career.  

Bold statement

The WEPs Awards, a brainchild of UN Women and the UN Global Compact, are like the Oscars of gender equality in business. Launched in 2010, it recognizes organizations smashing barriers and setting new standards for inclusivity.  

With over 1,500 applications pouring in from 1,000 companies across 21 Asia-Pacific countries, the competition this year was fierce. But Meralco’s commitment to equity and inclusivity stood out.

The Gender-Responsive Marketplace category honors companies embedding gender-focused practices in their customer and supply chain engagements. For Meralco, the award isn’t just another trophy on the shelf — it’s a validation of the company’s vision and values. 

The recognition is also aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

In a world where progress on gender equality often feels like two steps forward, one step back, Meralco’s achievements are a breath of fresh air. The company’s leadership proves that when you make equity a priority, everybody wins.  

Meralco’s #Mbrace isn’t just an initiative — it’s a movement that’s lighting up lives, one step at a time. And with the WEPs Award as a milestone, it’s clear that the company is far from done.  

For Meralco, the future is bright — and it’s powered by diversity, inclusion and a fearless commitment to breaking barriers.