Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) strengthened its commitment to animal welfare advocacy by convening partners from government, the private sector, and civil society to advance responsible pet ownership, public health protection, and safer communities for both people and animals.
As part of its 123rd founding anniversary, Meralco mounted “Malasakit Fur All: Meralco CATropa and kaBARKada,” a whole-day advocacy event that gathered more than 150 employees, animal welfare champions, and institutional partners in a shared effort to promote compassionate care and humane population management.
The initiative coincided with the observance of Rabies Awareness Month and featured key messages from prominent animal welfare advocates, including Congressman Brian Poe, Senator Francis Pangilinan, and De La Salle University Professor Laureen Velasco, founder of the DLSU Pusa advocacy group.
Advancing animal welfare and public safety
In his keynote address, Rep. Poe underscored that safeguarding animal welfare is a collective responsibility and reiterated his commitment to advancing legislative reforms, including the proposed revision of the Animal Welfare Act.
Meanwhile, in a video message, Sen. Pangilinan reaffirmed his support for stronger policies that ensure humane treatment and increased penalties for animal cruelty, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Professor Velasco shared the inspiring journey of DLSU Pusa, highlighting its grassroots efforts to rescue stray cats and foster a more compassionate and socially responsible community.
Partnerships driving meaningful impact
The advocacy event also reinforced Meralco’s CATropa initiative, spearheaded by Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga, which integrates animal welfare into the company’s broader mission of promoting public safety and social responsibility.
Zaldarriaga emphasized that multi-sector partnerships are crucial in advancing humane and sustainable solutions to stray animal management while strengthening public awareness on vaccination and responsible pet care.
“Through initiatives like this, we take meaningful steps toward preventing rabies while addressing the challenge of stray animal homelessness in a humane and sustainable way,” he said.
Community-centered initiatives
Beyond seminars and policy discussions, the event featured a range of activities designed to promote advocacy at the grassroots level, including:
TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) and vaccination drives for Meralco community cats
Pet adoption campaigns
A pet fashion show
Storytelling sessions for employees’ children
The program was made possible with the support of various partners, including local veterinary offices in Pasig and Mandaluyong, animal care organizations, and private sector sponsors.
Through sustained collaboration and advocacy, Meralco continues to champion initiatives that foster compassion, strengthen rabies prevention efforts, and promote responsible pet ownership—contributing to a healthier and more harmonious society for both humans and animals.