Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, and Landco Pacific Corporation partnered to provide free spaying and neutering services to pets and the community in San Juan, Batangas.

From 18 to 19 November, a total of 250 cats and dogs from Barangay Laiya Aplaya and nearby barangays benefited from the initiative at Club Laiya. The pets also received free anti-rabies vaccinations to help prevent disease and promote safer communities. The program was supported by the local government unit of San Juan and Biyaya Animal Care.

The two-day initiative, organized by Meralco, its corporate social responsibility arm One Meralco Foundation (OMF), and Landco, aimed to address rabies and pet overpopulation, which have occasionally raised safety concerns among guests in the Laiya beach community.

“Through responsible animal population management and strong collaboration with Meralco CATropa and our partners, we are advancing sustainable solutions that safeguard animal welfare and uphold public safety, ensuring Laiya remains a welcoming destination for generations to come,” said Jhem Fauni-Azarcon, project director and head of Community Development, Landco Pacific Corporation.

“We fully support this program as it helps reduce rabies cases. Community participation is crucial to achieving a healthier environment,” said Provincial Agriculturist Rodrigo Bautista.

As part of the initiative, Biyaya Animal Care conducted a training session on the flank method, empowering provincial veterinarians to actively address animal overpopulation. Maxime and UNAHCO–Yumyum Dog Food also provided freebies for participants and their pets.

Meralco has been implementing a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-and-Return (TNVR) program to manage the overpopulation of community animals within its facilities. Through its Spay It Forward campaign, the company collaborates with organizations and local government offices to expand the initiative to other communities.

“We believe that caring for animals is part of caring for people. Programs like this inspire others to act — because every life matters. We invite everyone to join us in ensuring that every animal receives the care they deserve,” said Jeffrey O. Tarayao, Meralco chief CSR officer and OMF president.

Meralco continues to extend its advocacy beyond company properties, empowering communities, partners, and LGUs to take part in sustainable animal welfare initiatives.

“Animal welfare is a core part of our malasakit culture at Meralco. Through partnerships like this, we aim to create safer, kinder communities, one initiative at a time,” said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president and head of Corporate Communications.

Since its launch in 2024, the initiative has benefited over 670 cats and dogs, demonstrating Meralco’s commitment to building inclusive and sustainable communities through humane and responsible animal welfare practices.