Manuel V. Pangilinan-led company Manila Electric Company (Meralco), along with animal welfare groups, pledged to proactively advocate and promote the well-being of animals through programs that will create a more humane and caring society for these voiceless beings.
As part of the celebration of its 122nd founding anniversary, Meralco hosted its first ever animal welfare seminar, marking a significant step in its campaign to raise animal welfare awareness.
Called Powering Compassion: CATropa and kaBARKada Unite, the activity brought together over 150 animal welfare advocates including city veterinarians, several animal welfare groups, and Meralco employees.
Animal welfare champions from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Biyaya Animal Care shared insights and experiences and enjoined the participants to continue supporting initiatives that ensures a safe environment for animals. Â
In her talk on Animal Care vs. Animal Welfare in the Philippines, PAWS Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera highlighted the importance of pet rescue and adoption and its transformative impact on both animals and human.
“If you give animals a chance, they show us the very best aspect of our humanity, they have so much love to give. I hope we can love them back especially the animals who are homeless, helpless, and voiceless,” Cabrera said.
Biyaya Animal Care President and Co-founder Rina Ortiz, for her part, pointed out the importance of the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) as an effective and ethical solution to manage stray animals.
She also emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership and community involvement to ensure a harmonious and healthier society for both humans and animals.
Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga, meanwhile, reiterated the company’s continuing commitment to help communities beyond its properties through spay and neuter programs.
“Our treatment of animals reflects who we are as a people. Let us choose kindness and responsibility because we protect our future by protecting them,” Zaldarriaga said.
Meralco’s animal welfare advocacy event was also made possible through its invaluable support of Cats of Ortigas, Cats of Kapitolyo, Mandaluyong City Veterinarian Office, Barkmission, Adopt.ph, Pawnec, Nutribowl, Eau de Pawlogne, Maxime, UNAHCO – Yumyum Dog Food, Kriegers, and The Storytelling Project.
Their shared commitment to animal welfare drives meaningful initiatives that promote compassion, responsible pet ownership, and a safer environment for animals.
