Manuel V. Pangilinan led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has reaf firmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) through the continued growth of its #Mbrace Diversity and Inclusion program — the company’s enterprise-wide initiative for building a safe, respectful, and empowering workplace for all.

Launched in 2021, #Mbrace b e g a n w i t h a fo c u s o n women empowerment and representation, opening more doors for females in technical roles and leadership. In 2024, the program expanded its scope by including LGBTQIA+ individuals, championing a culture where every employee — regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation — feels recognized and valued.

Meralco first vice president and head of Customer Retail Services Charina Padua emphasized that #Mbrace goes beyond policy setting. “It means calling out biases, making room for honest conversations, and building a culture of allyship. It also means recognizing the unique experiences of our LGBTQIA+ employees, and equipping our leaders and customer-facing teams to handle situations of potential misunderstanding or discrimination with empathy and professionalism,” Padua said.

As part of this year’s Pride Month celebrations, Meralco organized a series of activities that put the spotlight on D&I in action. The “Proud to Be Me” forum brought together thought leaders, company champions, and external partners to share lived experiences, reflect on inclusive leadership, and explore how everyday actions can help create safe spaces and a sense of belonging in the workplace.

To celebrate employee voices, Meralco also featured LGBTQIA+ colleagues through special Pride Month art cards, highlighting their stories and perspectives across internal channels. In a bold and visible show of solidarity, rainbowthemed pedestrian lanes were installed at Meralco’s Ortigas headquarters and in its ten sector offices, serving as colorful reminders of the company’s commitment to D&I.

Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond Ravelo underscored that the company’s D&I initiatives are closely tied to its broader sustainability agenda, Powering the Good Life, anchored on four pillars: Power, Planet, People and Prosperity. “Inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. There is no powering the good life without empowered people. Inclusion does not require grand gestures — it grows through small, everyday actions that show people they belong,” Ravelo said.

Meralco’s D&I efforts are further strengthened through strategic partnerships with two leading advocacy organizations: the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment and the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride. These collaborations help guide Meralco’s evolving practices and contribute to broader, industrywide change.

With plans to further expand the #Mbrace program to include Persons with Disabilities, Meralco remains steadfast in its vision to create a truly inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace.