Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has received the prestigious Platinum Paw Award from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in recognition of the company’s contributions to promoting animal welfare.
The award, which was bestowed last January 26 during PAWS Annual Thanksgiving Gathering, is the highest recognition the animal group bestows to individuals and organizations that demonstrate unparalleled support to animal welfare causes and align with PAWS’ continued efforts to improve the lives of animals across the Philippines.
“Meralco embodies the company that walks the talk in terms of furthering the cause of animal welfare in our country, and we hope that other companies will follow suit in terms of incorporating animal welfare and caring for community animals in their corporate culture and policies. I think they are the only company that can brag to have all these, and we’re very proud to be a partner of Meralco,” PAWS Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera said during the ceremony that also celebrated the dedication of PAWS volunteers.
“PAWS has been the kind recipient of Meralco’s altruism since 2001 when it allowed PAWS to build an animal shelter on its property along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City. For decades, Meralco has been the biggest donor to PAWS’ advocacy by providing shelter to the animal victims of abuse and providing a venue for the PAWS low-cost spay-neuter clinic,” Cabrera added.
Meralco has its own animal welfare program called “CATropa” that aims to create a safe space for community animals through the Spay It Forward campaign that involves the implementation of Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (TNVR) activities within and beyond Meralco.
Receiving the award from Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) on behalf of Meralco was Animal Welfare Program Manager and Head of Advocacy Communications Management Michelle Caguioa, who shared that Meralco is deeply honored to receive the Platinum Paw Award. “This recognition reinforces our dedication to creating a sustainable future where people and animals coexist in harmony.”
Meralco stands among champions of animal welfare and looks forward to collaborating with like-minded organizations and individuals to create a future where both humans and animals thrive.
