The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has reinvigorated its commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion (D&I) through the continued rollout of its #Mbrace program. The program now extends support to LGBTQIA+ employees and is preparing to include Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the near future as well.

Launched in 2021, #Mbrace began as an initiative focused on women empowerment and opening opportunities for female employees in leadership and technical roles. In 2024, the program expanded to include gender diversity, promoting equal recognition for employees regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

As part of its Pride Month celebrations, Meralco held a “Proud to Be Me” forum that featured insights from thought leaders, internal champions, and partner organizations. It also spotlighted LGBTQIA+ employees through internal campaigns and installed rainbow-colored pedestrian lanes at its Ortigas headquarters and ten sector offices.

Meralco First Vice President and Head of Customer Retail Services Charina Padua said the program is not just about policies, but about fostering honest conversations and building a culture of allyship. “It also means recognizing the unique experiences of our LGBTQIA+ employees, and equipping our leaders and customer-facing teams to handle situations of potential misunderstanding or discrimination with empathy and professionalism,” she stated.

Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond Ravelo added that the company’s D&I efforts are closely tied to its broader sustainability agenda. Specifically referring to Powering the Good Life, which focuses on power, planet, people, and prosperity. “Inclusion does not require grand gestures, it grows through small, everyday actions that show people they belong,” Ravelo said.

Meralco is also working with the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) and Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) to further strengthen its programs and contribute to industry-wide change.

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