“Inclusion is not a one-time initiative — it is a journey we live every day. By opening our doors to Persons with Disabilities, we are not only creating opportunities but also reshaping the workplace to reflect empathy, respect, and dignity. Our partnership with SHINE is a testament to Meralco’s commitment to building safe spaces where everyone can belong,” Meralco first vice president and chief human resources officer Hans R. Montenegro said.
Meralco and SHINE will continue to engage and empower more students in the months ahead in a bid to open more pathways for PWDs to thrive in welcoming workplaces.
“For our students, this experience is more than just training — it is a chance to be seen, valued, and included. Meralco’s allyship shows how corporate partners can bridge education and employment readiness, giving young people with autism the confidence to step into the future with hope. We look forward to continuing this journey with Meralco and bringing more students into inclusive spaces like these,” SHINE president Maria Rosario Joaquin said.
The initiative forms part of Meralco’s #Mbrace diversity and inclusion program that was launched in 2021 with an initial focus on women empowerment and representation. It has since grown to embrace LGBTQIA+ colleagues and now PWDs — underscoring Meralco’s vision of a workplace where every employee, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability, is recognized and valued.
“#Mbrace stands as one of Meralco’s flagship people programs, deeply woven into our sustainability agenda, ‘Powering the Good Life’. By opening pathways for PWDs, we show that true sustainability is about creating workplaces where everyone can contribute and belong. Inclusion strengthens our workforce, enriches our culture, and ensures that every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo said.
#Mbrace is integral to its broader sustainability agenda, Powering the Good Life, anchored on four pillars: Power, Planet, People and Prosperity. By embedding diversity and inclusion into its culture and operations, Meralco continues to advance its vision of a future-ready workforce where fairness and respect are practiced each day.
