Animal homelessness in the Philippines has reached a critical level and demands immediate, collective action. With more than 13 million stray cats and dogs estimated to be roaming the streets, according to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the problem threatens not only animals but entire communities as well.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the Philippines as having one of the highest incidences of human rabies globally, many of which are linked to bites from unvaccinated stray animals.

In highly urbanized areas such as Metro Manila, rapid development has left little space for community animals, particularly cats, whose populations grow quickly when left unmanaged. These realities underscore the need for solutions that protect both public health and animal welfare — approaches that are humane, sustainable, and centered on the community.

Operating across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has long positioned itself as a community partner, extending its role beyond electricity distribution. The company’s sense of responsibility eventually expanded to an issue that has become increasingly visible within its own spaces: the growing population of community cats on its properties.

Meralco’s CATropa: Coexisting with community cats

What began as a small presence of community cats at Meralco’s Pasig headquarters gradually grew into a shared responsibility, leading to the formation of CATropa — an animal welfare initiative named after the Filipino slang term katropa, which literally means “a friend.”

Meralco’s CATropa is anchored on the belief that humans and community animals can safely coexist when the right systems are in place. Rather than displacement, the initiative focuses on managing animal populations responsibly, recognizing that coexistence, when done right, benefits both people and animals.

Kapon ang solusyon: TNVR at work

Central to Meralco’s animal welfare efforts is the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) program, widely recognized as the most humane and effective method for managing community and feral cat populations. A single unspayed female can produce multiple litters in a year, quickly multiplying the local population. TNVR interrupts this cycle humanely and sustainably. It addresses overpopulation at its source while improving animal health, reducing aggressive behavior, and lowering the risk of rabies transmission.

With the support of fellow advocate Biyaya Animal Care, TNVR was first rolled out within Meralco’s compound in 2024 and later expanded to 10 sector offices across its franchise area. To date, nearly 300 community cats have been spayed and neutered across Meralco properties, an important milestone for CATropa’s Mission PAW-ssible.

“By supporting humane animal management programs, Meralco sets an example of good corporate governance, not just CSR,” said Rina Ortiz, CEO and chief strategist of Biyaya Animal Care, as she commended Meralco’s initiative that prioritizes long-term impact over short-term fixes.

Equally important to the program is the return of cats after they are neutered. Removing community cats permanently creates what experts call the “vacuum effect,” where new, unneutered animals move into the area and repopulate it. By returning vaccinated and sterilized cats to their original territories, population growth is stabilized, and public safety risks are reduced.

To address the risks posed by the combination of high-risk equipment and roaming community animals, Meralco took a proactive and humane approach. The company’s Facilities, Safety, and Security Team established catios — secure outdoor patios that provide safe, designated spaces for community cats. It also identified community animal-friendly zones within its properties. Through the CATropa program, Meralco addressed potential safety hazards without compromising animal welfare — showing that operational safety, order, and compassion can go hand in hand.

“At Meralco, we prioritize everyone’s safety — not only our customers and employees, but also community animals. Caring for them is part of our commitment to fostering a safe and responsible environment for all,” said Jerry B. Lao, Meralco’s head of Facilities, Safety, and Security Management.

Spay it forward campaign: Bringing care to communities

Beyond creating safe spaces for community animals within its own properties, Meralco has partnered with like-minded organizations and local government units (LGUs), working closely with City Veterinary Offices. These collaborations help strengthen local capacity by providing support and resources that make spaying, neutering, and vaccination services more accessible, particularly in communities with limited access to pet care.

“For Meralco, partnering with entities beyond its corporate walls helps address the overpopulation of stray animals in various communities, promoting better animal welfare and public health on a broader scale,” said Meralco vice president and head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga, who is also an advocate and carer of two rescued cats.

In December 2024, Meralco launched the Spay It Forward campaign in Pateros, the only municipality in Metro Manila without its own veterinary office. Through the initiative, more than 120 dogs and cats received free spaying or neutering services, along with anti-rabies vaccinations — bringing much-needed veterinary care to a community with limited access.

The advocacy continued the following year in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, through a partnership between Meralco, One Meralco Foundation (OMF), Landco Pacific Corporation, and Biyaya Animal Care. The two-day initiative was mounted in response to concerns raised by local communities and resort operators over the growing number of community animals in the area — an issue with implications for both public safety and tourism.

Held from 18 to 19 November 2025, at Club Laiya, the campaign provided free spaying, neutering, and anti-rabies vaccinations to 250 cats and dogs from Barangay Laiya Aplaya and nearby barangays. The effort was supported by the local government of San Juan, Batangas, and focused on managing animal populations responsibly while reducing the risk of disease transmission.

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

Provincial agriculturist Rodrigo Bautista echoed this support, emphasizing the role of community involvement in rabies prevention.

“We fully support this program because it helps reduce rabies cases. Community participation is essential if we are to achieve our goal of living in a healthy and safe environment,” he said.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Biyaya Animal Care also conducted a targeted training session on the flank method, equipping provincial veterinarians with additional skills to manage animal populations more effectively. The initiative highlighted how lasting change becomes possible when institutions, professionals, and communities work together.

“The Spay It Forward campaign of Meralco, especially through CATropa, is an important step in controlling the rapid growth of stray dog and cat populations in Laiya,” said Dr. Joden Sumeldan, medical director of Biyaya Animal Care. “Access to veterinary care here is very limited, so this initiative provides significant help to both pet owners and community animals.”

Residents welcomed the program, noting that it had been years since a free spay-and-neuter drive had been held in the area. “We have long been looking for free spaying services for our pets,” said Linda, a participating resident. “They say cats and dogs get sick more easily when they are not spayed and keep getting pregnant. We are very grateful to everyone who made this possible.”

The advocacy continues

Caring for community animals goes beyond compassion; it is also a matter of public safety. Through TNVR, animal populations are managed responsibly, helping reduce risks while protecting lives.  CATropa’s Mission PAW-ssible is not designed as a one-time effort. Achieving saturation and sustainability remains key.

“As the advocacy moves forward this year, the goal is to reach more communities through sustained TNVR efforts and stronger partnerships. When animal welfare is approached responsibly and consistently, it creates safer, healthier environments for both people and community animals,” said Michelle Caguioa, Meralco Advocacy Communications Management head and CATropa program manager.

Since its launch in 2024, Mission PAW-ssible has benefited over 670 cats and dogs within and beyond Meralco’s service areas — reflecting an ongoing commitment to building inclusive, safer, and more sustainable communities through humane and responsible animal welfare practices.