Inspiring Collective Action: Meralco and advocacy partners unite to strengthen commitment to animal welfare
Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga (center) and Head of Advocacy Communications Management Michelle Caguioa (rightmost) presented the certificate of appreciation to PAWS Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera (2nd from right) for being one of the keynote speakers in the event, joined on stage by two PAWS volunteers and rescued dogs.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MERALCO
For 122 years, Meralco has been more than just a distributor of electricity — it has been a force for good, illuminating not just homes and businesses but also the lives of communities even beyond its franchise area.
With every program it implements, the company hopes to change lives for the better. And as part of its anniversary celebration this year, the company has deepened its commitment by championing a meaningful cause — promoting a humane and safe environment for animals.
Meralco’s first-ever animal welfare seminar, called “Powering Compassion: CATropa and kaBARKada Unite,” brought together a community of over 150 animal welfare advocates, including city veterinarians, several animal welfare groups, and Meralco employees in a united effort to promote responsible pet care and humane treatment.
Headlined by known animal welfare champions from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Biyaya Animal Care, the activity showcased valuable insights and initiatives that ensure a safe and humane environment for animals.
In her talk on Animal Care vs. Animal Welfare in the Philippines, PAWS’ Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera highlighted the importance of pet rescue and adoption and its transformative impact on both animals and humans.
“If you give animals a chance, they show us the very best aspect of our humanity, they have so much love to give. I hope we can love them back, especially the animals who are homeless, helpless and voiceless,” Cabrera said.
Biyaya Animal Care co-founder and President Rina Ortiz highlighted the importance of TNVR during her talk.
Meralco employee Donna Carreon (left photo) with a Biyaya Animal Care volunteer and Tuxedo, the charming cat she adopted at the event. Meralco employee Maria Tesoro (right photo) with a Biyaya Animal Care volunteer and Peanut, the rescued dog she adopted at the event.
Biyaya Animal Care Co-Founder and president Rina Ortiz, for her part, pointed out the importance of the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) as an effective and ethical solution to manage stray animals.
She also emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership and community involvement to ensure a harmonious and healthier society for both humans and animals.
Meralco vice president and head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga, who himself adopted two stray cats and gave them a loving home, expressed his gratefulness for partners like PAWS and Biyaya that inspires Meralco to continue making a difference in the lives of animals.
Zaldarriaga also called on the attendees to continue the advocacy and support the initiatives to build a bigger community that champions compassion to animals — especially with the increasing cases of animal cruelty being reported in the news.
“Our treatment of animals reflects who we are as a people. Let us choose kindness and responsibility because we protect our future by protecting them,” Zaldarriaga said.
Besides PAWS and Biyaya Animal Care, Pawdel, Pawnec, Nutribowl, Eau de Pawlogne, Maxime, Yumyum Dog Food and Krieger’s Premium Produce also supported the event. Also in attendance were representatives from Cats of Kapitolyo, Cats of Ortigas, Barkmission, Adopt.ph and Mandaluyong City Veterinarians.
After the insightful talk, animal welfare advocates and Meralco employees united to sign the CATropa Pledge Wall. Every signature was more than just ink — it was a promise to be a voice for the voiceless. Ultimately, the goal of the event was to create more advocates within Meralco.
