K-Ligtas Honors Electrical safety Heroes

In the race toward connectivity and automation, safety can easily fade into the background — sacrificed in the name of modernization. But little did we know that behind every uninterrupted workday, every hum of a data center, and every lit classroom, are teams and organizations quietly ensuring that electricity flows without incident. The Meralco K-Ligtas Awards was created to honor exactly that kind of silent heroism.

Now in its fifth cycle, the K-Ligtas Awards — an advocacy program of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Meralco Power Academy (MPA) — recognizes outstanding companies, institutions, and local governments that have elevated electrical safety into a core operational value. It is the first and only award of its kind in the Philippines, and it continues to grow: in 2024 alone, it attracted 53 nominees and celebrated 21 finalists.

Held on  6 May 2025 at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila in Pasig City, the awarding ceremony brought together safety champions across industries.

“Kuryenteng Ligtas or K-Ligtas Awards reminds us that safety is not just a compliance issue. It is a core value that should be ingrained in every aspect of our operations,” Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer, and president of Meralco Power Academy.

“At Meralco, the safety of every individual is not just a commitment, but a shared responsibility. It is my pledge, and it is my accountability.”

Safety, a fundamental need

The latest batch of winners are a diverse group, but they share a common ethos: that safety, particularly electrical safety, is fundamental to long-term operational success.

In the Large Industrial Business category, EHS Lens — a global manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses — was honored for its rigorous workplace safety protocols that blend technical precision with employee training.

Digital Edge, a regional leader in co location and interconnection services, stood out in the Large Commercial Business category for turning energy efficiency and electrical safety into a competitive advantage.

“It is important that there’s an award highlighting electrical safety,” said Louise Lasala, Sales and Marketing Associate at Digital Edge Philippines. “Moving forward, we really want to focus more on efficient energy practices and sustainability programs.”

Quantrics, a tech support hub for a leading Canadian telecom provider, also earned recognition in the same category.

“At Quantrics, we are not operating just to conserve energy or to reduce carbon footprint,” said Gary Crispin Jadie, Jr., Director of Environmental Health and Safety. “We are also committed to ensure a safe workplace for our people.”

In the City Category, Makati City was lauded for integrating electrical safety into its broader public safety and urban planning programs.

The K-Ligtas journey doesn’t end with a trophy. For many participants, it’s also a learning experience. “It’s not only about getting the award,” shared Alberto Delos Reyes, Jr., President of EHS Lens Philippines Inc., a finalist. “We want to be competitive enough to improve our electrical system, our safety standards, and our sustainability program. We want to learn more from K-Ligtas.”

Since 2013, the Academy has leveraged Meralco’s 120-year legacy to offer cutting-edge training in power and energy. Its role as a thought leader and educator makes it uniquely positioned to convene experts and elevate standards in electrical safety.

According to Emmanuel V. Rubio, President and CEO of Meralco PowerGen Corporation, K-Ligtas is more than a recognition program — it’s a challenge. “It is more than just awareness. It is a call to action to lead by example, to prioritize safety within your own spheres of influence and continuously raise the bar for ourselves and for the industry.”

Winners of the K-Ligtas Awards take home not just prestige, but also a one-of-a-kind trophy called the Life Bulb — a sculpture made entirely of up-cycled materials such as copper wires and wooden poles. Designed by renowned Filipino artist Ferdinand Cacnio, the piece symbolizes both the fragility and brilliance of human life and the energy that powers it.

Since its inception, K-Ligtas has recognized nearly 30 outstanding organizations, from tech manufacturers to city governments. Previous honorees include Nestlé Philippines, Samsung Electromechanics, Quezon City, and Crimson Hotel Alabang — each a testament to the wide-ranging impact of electrical safety done right.

K-Ligtas is doing more than giving out awards. It is reshaping the narrative around workplace safety — transforming it from a checklist item into a badge of leadership, innovation, and care.

The K-Ligtas Awards is organized by MPA, the country’s leading energy education provider dedicated to shaping the future by empowering professionals, students, and industry leaders with the knowledge and skills to advance energy innovation.