Exemplifying purposeful storytelling of impactful initiatives, Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has once again set the benchmark for communications excellence as it clinched multiple recognitions and emerged as a finalist for the Company of the Year at the recently concluded 61st Anvil Awards.
Alongside One Meralco Foundation (OMF), Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) and Meralco Power Academy (MPA), the company took home 20 Anvils in recognition of its exceptional public relations (PR) programs and tools that effectively engaged and served its diverse stakeholders.
Meralco’s campaign on reliable service communications, effective utilization of digital platform, media and information literacy and electrification program merited five Gold Anvils.
“Tulung-tulong para sa mas Ligtas na Kinabukasan: Meralco’s Communications Campaign to Combat Illegal Service Connection” won a gold trophy for its proactive public information drive to address illegal service connection commonly known as “jumpers” and power pilferage. This core public safety program, which is implemented in partnership with law enforcement agencies and local government units, utilizes traditional and digital media to heighten awareness on what Meralco is doing to address illegal acts and promote safety of the communities that the company serves.
“From Fake News to Fact: Strengthening Public Discernment with Manong Joe” also earned a Gold Anvil for the campaign that advances media literacy nationwide through the social media platforms of Manong Joe — Meralco’s spokesperson with an ultimate aim to contribute to a more informed and digitally discerning Filipino public. Guided by data-driven insights and Meralco’s humanized communication approach, the campaign produced targeted and accessible content that addressed widespread misinformation.
“Through the Rain: How Meralco Newsroom Powered PR on Meralco’s Readiness and Response During the July 2025 Habagat Onslaught” snagged another gold award as it showcased Meralco Newsroom transformed social media into the company’s front line of public engagement and crisis storytelling. It also amplified PR reach, cemented trust, and showcased Meralco’s readiness and compassion when communities needed it most.
Franchise extension
Another Gold Anvil was bestowed on “The Next 25: Meralco’s Commitment to Nation-Building, Sustainable Growth, and Power Innovation” which highlighted the company’s proactive campaign to secure its legislative franchise renewal. The campaign strategically positioned Meralco as a nation-building partner essential to energy security and economic growth.
OMF’s “From Sun to Safe Water: Water Access Electrification in South Cotabato” completed the gold haul as it was recognized for energizing the community’s water system and improving the distribution of water to households through solar technology.
One Meralco’s programs promoting cybersecurity, internal audit, animal welfare advocacy, renewable energy advancement and corporate social responsibility amassed 15 Silver Anvils.
“E-lluminating the Media through Meralco Newsroom Omnichannels: Expanding the Digital Reach of Meralco’s Communications Program for its Monthly Rates Adjustment” was recognized for enabling a fast and effective distribution of information regarding Meralco’s rate adjustments, ensuring that the media receive real-time and accurate information and increased transparency and accessibility of information for the public. Meanwhile, “Restoring Trust: How Credible Channels Renewed Public Confidence in Meralco” highlighted Meralco’s successful collaboration with reputable companies and entities to frame just narratives and reshape how the public perceive Meralco.
Meralco’s newly launched “Wavemaker Community Program: Empowering Educators for a Safer Digital Future in Schools” also won a Silver Anvil for demonstrating the company’s commitment to championing cyber security awareness by empowering educators with the knowledge to safely navigate the digital landscape; while “Sparking Internal Audit Literacy: A Professional & Student Exchange Forum” was honored for raising awareness about internal audit, bridging the gap between the academe and the professional world.
Developing leaders
MPA, the educational arm of Meralco also won for its summer internship program — “Meralco PowerCamp — Illuminating a Just Energy Transition” for providing an intensive learning experience for the students by strengthening their leadership skills and expanding their technical expertise.
The power distributor’s “Energizing Minds: Meralco’s Journey Toward Nuclear Energy Leadership” showcased its integrated nuclear communications campaign combining education, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement, positioning the company at the forefront of the nation’s nuclear discourse.
Another advocacy that the company has been pursuing that won a Silver Anvil was the “Paw-ering Compassion: Meralco’s CATropa Animal Welfare Program” that addresses the growing population of community animals within company facilities that has evolved into a company-wide, community-driven movement.
MGEN, the power generation arm of Meralco also took home multiple accolades for their innovation in renewable energy.
“MTerra Solar Groundbreaking Ceremony” positioned the project as a transformational milestone in the Philippines’ clean energy transition, while “A Global Breakthrough in Sustainable Energy: MTerra Solar, the world’s largest solar integrated and battery energy storage” — produced in partnership with Meralco — showcased the benefits of the project that will soon supply clean energy to an estimated 2.4 million Filipino households.
MGEN’s recent rebranding efforts also earned another Silver Anvil for the “MGEN’s New Vision — Mission — Values Rollout” which fostered a shared culture that inspires employees to put organizational priorities into action.
OMF, the corporate social responsibility arm of Meralco received five more Silver Anvils for its corporate social responsibility initiatives including; “Empowering low-income households through One Meralco Foundation’s Household Electrification Program 2024” — a flagship initiative designed to provide communities with an easier and more affordable way to access electricity; while its “From Darkness to Dreams: Energizing Education” campaign narrates how they provide solar-powered energy access to off-grid public schools, enabling teachers to teach effectively and students to learn in safe and well-lit classrooms.
The entry “The Voices of Change: Empowered Filipinos Transformed One Meralco Foundation’s Social Media Reporting into Organic Community Advocacy” details how the organization strategically shifted its narrative power on its Facebook page to the empowered Filipinos who experienced its programs’ impact firsthand. Completing Meralco’s haul, the entry “One Meralco Balik Eskwela 2025: Empowering Young Learners through Literacy Kits” received two Silver Anvils for addressing the foundational literacy gaps among kindergarten students in underserved public schools nationwide.
“Meralco’s commitment to delivering affordable, safe, and reliable electric service has long been deeply rooted in our culture — and we strive to go beyond this mandate. This is why — along with our partners, subsidiaries and affiliates — we ensure that our initiatives do not merely reach our stakeholders, but are truly felt by them,” said Meralco vice president and head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga.
“These recognitions affirm the impact of One Meralco’s programs and initiatives that promote sustainability and energy literacy, while delivering meaningful benefits to communities and the nation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursue purposeful initiatives that help build a better and brighter future — not only for our 8.2 million customers, but for all Filipinos,” he concluded.
Organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, the Anvil Awards, dubbed as “the Oscars” of Philippine public relations, honors outstanding public relations programs, campaigns, and tools that exemplify the highest standards of public relations practice in the country.