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, 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.

From Rescue to Forever Homes

The event also provided an avenue to showcase PAWS’ Doctor Dogs, trained therapy dogs that provided comfort and companionship, along with rescued dogs from PAWS that were up for adoption.

Biyaya Animal Care also set up its own adoption booth, offering participants the opportunity to meet and bond with rescued cats and dogs in search of loving homes.

Adding to the warmth of the occasion, a kissing booth allowed attendees to experience affectionate cuddles and kisses from these lovable rescue animals.

It was also a life-changing moment for two rescued animals who found permanent, loving homes. Meralco employee Donna Carreon adopted Tuxedo, a charming cat; while Maria Tesoro welcomed Peanut, a rescued dog, into her family — proving the profound impact of second chances.

“During the event, as I was petting him, Tuxedo kept reaching out his paw toward me, as if asking me to keep touching him. When our eyes met, I could feel that he truly wanted me to take him home, so I decided to adopt him. As a fur parent to four cats, I’m incredibly grateful to Meralco for this wonderful initiative that promotes animal welfare. I’m proud to be part of a company that demonstrates genuine compassion for all,” shared Meralco employee Donna Carreon.

More than a celebration, this initiative underscores Meralco’s commitment to compassion and social responsibility. By championing animal welfare, the company reinforces that true progress is not just about powering communities but also about fostering kindness, empathy, and a more humane society.

Recognizing the CATropa of the Year

Meralco also launched CATropa of the Year, a special recognition given to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to animal welfare and made a meaningful impact in the community.

Gloria Santiago Tan, a beloved figure from one of the favorite canteens inside the Meralco Ortigas Compound, and Eduardo “Ciao” Murcia of Biyaya Animal Care were named as the recipients of the award.

Gloria, affectionately known as “Ate Oya,” is one of Meralco’s most devoted community cat feeders and stewards who has since earned the nickname “The Cat Lady.” Rain or shine, Ate Oya goes the extra mile to ensure that the cats are well-fed and safe. Her dedication extends beyond feeding, as she actively supports Meralco’s TNVR activities, advocating for responsible and humane animal care.

“I’m deeply honored and surprised to receive the Catropa of the Year Award. Caring for animals means so much to me, and this award inspires me to keep helping our CATropas and KaBARKadas. I will continue to stand for animal welfare and make a difference,” shared Ate Oya.

Eduardo, known as “Ciao,” is a Biyaya Animal Care employee and has been present in all Meralco’s TNVR activities. During a TNVR initiative in August 2024 held in Manila, Ciao formed a special bond with one of Meralco’s community cats. As the team prepared to return the neutered cats to their original locations, an unexpected call from Ciao came in, and he expressed his intention to adopt the cat. His decision to bring the cat home was a testament to his deep compassion, proving that for him, rescue is not just a duty, but a calling.

Ciao expressed his gratefulness for being named as one of the CATropa champions, saying: “Even though I’m not part of the company, they recognized my dedication to animal welfare. Through TNVR activities, I’ve seen how every animal deserves love and care. I’ll keep doing my best for our CATropas and KaBARKadas and stand with Meralco in this advocacy and mission.”

Both Ate Oya and Ciao embody the true spirit of compassion and service, worthy of being the first recipients of the CATropa of the Year award.

Meralco’s CATropa Home

Still as part of its continuing efforts to look after its community cats, Meralco opened two catios, which are outdoor patios that provides a safe and secure space for the animals.

Located within Meralco’s compound in Pasig City, the eco-friendly structures made from recycled materials are designed and built by Meralco’s Facilities and Safety Management team, which ensured that every detail of the catios, from structure to comfort, supports the well-being of the cats.

“One of Meralco’s core values is malasakit — care for others, care for our customers, and care for the community. Most importantly, it includes care for animals. Here at the Meralco compound, we ensure that every animal, especially our community cats, is well taken care of,” said Jerry B. Lao, Meralco vice president and head of Facilities and Safety Management.

Meralco has long been advocating for animal welfare through its CATropa program, which aims to create a safe space for community animals. The company has since partnered with animal groups and advocates to implement a TNVR program for its community cats. It also extended the initiative to Pateros, the only Local Government Unit in Metro Manila without a Veterinary Office, through its Spay It Forward campaign, which provided free spaying/ neutering and anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats in the municipality.

“In establishing Meralco as a safe space for stray animals, particularly stray cats, we would really like to take to heart the hymn of Meralco, to love and care for others. Love is all-encompassing. If we are able to turn this into a movement, then I am certain we will have a better country,” Zaldarriaga said.

Shaping a Culture of Compassion Through Storytelling

The seminar extended beyond discussions, as Meralco collaborated with The Storytelling Project (TSP), a Filipino non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a love for reading through storytelling.

TSP held a special storytelling session for the children of Meralco employees, introducing them to animal welfare concepts through engaging narratives.

By immersing young minds in stories that emphasize compassion and responsibility, this initiative serves as an early stepping stone toward building a culture of care — one that mirrors Meralco’s ongoing efforts to encourage its employees to become advocates for animal welfare.

Just as the company empowers its workforce to champion humane treatment, it also inspires the next generation to embrace kindness, responsibility and empathy toward animals.

Meralco’s animal welfare advocacy reflects the company’s broader commitment to shaping a community that cares and a legacy of compassion that transcends generations.