Today, we shine a light on the heroes without capes — the incredible fathers who stand as a strong pillar of every home. Men who exemplify resilience, dedication, and unwavering support for their children.

From whispered advice to powerful examples, dads play an irreplaceable role in building the foundations of our families and homes. This father’s day, Meralco joins the world in celebrating the super dads, grandfathers, and other father figures who helped shape our lives.

Wired for greatness: Rafael R. Pagtalunan

For 36 years, Rafael “Raffy” Pagtalunan has been working at Meralco, his journey traced a remarkable path started as a lineman to becoming a distribution engineer. His story isn’t just about career progression; it’s a testament to dedication, the power of education, and the unwavering support of both a company and a loving family.

Raffy’s early career saw him braving the high poles as a lineman, ensuring the steady flow of electricity that powers countless homes and businesses in Metro Manila. All the while, a quiet ambition simmered within him: to become an electrical engineer.

However, Raffy put his dreams on hold, prioritizing the future of his four children. He dedicated himself to providing for them, ensuring they had the opportunities he yearned for. “Kailangan unahin ko ang pag-aaral ng mga anak ko, bago ako,” Raffy reflects.

His children never failed him as all of them finished their studies, with extraordinary success. Two of his children, Engr. Jeamma and Ray fulfilled the dream their father had, earning their electrical engineering degrees, with one even joining him at Meralco. Another pursued a career in medicine and became a respected doctor- Dr. Jonah, while his youngest- Jean, carved out a niche in journalism. With his children thriving in their respective professions, Raffy finally felt it was his time.

At the age of 54, he embarked on the arduous journey of pursuing an electrical engineering degree under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). What made this endeavor possible, Raffy emphasizes, was the profound support he received from Meralco. “Sobrang supportive ng Meralco,” he stated. “Binigyan nila ako ng flexible schedule, yung mga kasamahan kong engineer, tinuturuan din ako.” This collaborative environment, where colleagues became mentors, was instrumental in his success. With that, he became a candidate for being a model employee of Meralco.

Beyond Meralco, Raffy credits another crucial pillar of support: his wife. “Lahat ng meron ako ngayon dahil ito sa Meralco at sa supportive wife ko,” he added. Her unwavering encouragement and partnership, he explains, were vital in every aspect of his life, allowing him to balance work, family, and his demanding studies.

Raffy Pagtalunan’s journey from lineman to distribution engineer isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s an inspiring narrative that speaks to the power of perseverance, the importance of family, and the transformative impact of a supportive workplace.

Navigating single parenthood: John Gandy G. Del Mundo

Gandy wears multiple hats both in the workplace and at home. He’s been working at Meralco for 18 years as a Sales and Relationship Management Officer at Batangas Business Center, and as he goes home, he is a loving single father to his two adolescent sons, Aljohn and Amiel.

Seven years ago, a shadow fell over their lives with the passing of his beloved wife. “It’s incredibly hard,” Gandy admits. “No one can truly replace a mother’s presence, that unique bond and wisdom she brings to a child’s life. There’s a gap that’s impossible to fill.” His kids navigated the tough adolescence journey without a mother, but they faced every obstacle with courage and an open heart.

In this challenging journey, Gandy found an unexpected ally in his workplace. “Meralco has been a true blessing,” he shares. “They helped me financially, especially during those initial difficult years.” Beyond monetary support, the company’s employee-centric events have provided invaluable opportunities for him to integrate his family life with his professional one. “I can bring my boys to the workplace during events, especially on Foundation Day,” he stated. “They get to see what I do, meet my colleagues, and feel a part of my work life. It’s truly special for them.”

Gandy proudly emphasizes that Meralco is a family-friendly company. This supportive environment has not only eased his burden but also reinforced his belief in the power of love and perseverance. His message to other single fathers was to create more memories together with their children, “Love is not bound by gender, we can be a mom or a dad to our children. To all the single dads out there like me, we must keep pushing forward for our children,” he concluded.

On this Father’s Day, Raffy and Gandy stand as a beacon of paternal devotion, proving that with love, resilience, and the right support system, a father can indeed fill many roles, nurturing his children with all the warmth and guidance they need to thrive.

Beyond being an electric distribution company, Meralco also empowers fathers and to all its employees. As the company fosters a supportive workplace and offering excellent career opportunities to provide the best for their children.