Meralco, Landco hold mass spay-neuter drive for Laiya community animals

^{Meralco has been implementing a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-and-Return (TNVR) program that aims to address the overpopulation of community animals within the company facilities. Through its Spay It Forward campaign, the company, along with One Meralco Foundation and Landco Pacific Corporation, extended its initiative to the Laiya beach community in San Juan, Batangas}

Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and premier real estate developer Landco Pacific Corporation (Landco) conducted a two-day free spay, neuter, and vaccination drive for pets and community animals in San Juan, Batangas, as part of efforts to manage overpopulation and reduce rabies cases in the tourism area of Laiya.

The activity, held on November 18–19 at Club Laiya, benefited 250 cats and dogs from Barangay Laiya Aplaya and nearby communities. The initiative was carried out under Meralco’s Spay It Forward campaign in partnership with One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the San Juan local government, and animal welfare group Biyaya Animal Care.

Resorts and local establishments in Laiya have reported a growing number of roaming animals, prompting concerns about visitor safety and public health. The partners said the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-and-Return (TNVR) intervention was organized to address these issues.

Landco Project Director and Community Development Head Jhem Fauni-Azarcon said, “Through responsible animal population management and strong collaboration with Meralco CATropa and our partners, we are advancing long-term, sustainable solutions that safeguard animal welfare and uphold public safety, ensuring that Laiya remains a harmonious and welcoming destination for generations to come.”

Provincial Agriculturist Rodrigo Bautista added, “We fully support this program, because this will help reduce the cases of rabies. Let’s work together as community participation is important to achieve our goal to stop rabies and live in a healthy community.”

(L-R) Seen in the photo (from left to right) are OMF Communications Manager Pia Flores, Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Rodrigo Bautista, Municipal Administrator Ms. Analyn Moraleja, Laiya Aplaya Barangay Chairman Wenceslao L. Llana III, Project Director and Head of Community Development of Landco Pacific Corporation Jhem Fauni-Azarcon, Head of Advocacy Communication and Meralco CATropa Program Manager Michelle Caguioa, and Biyaya Animal Care Medical Director Dr. Joden Sumeldan during the two-day initiative, following the signing of the Spay It Forward Campaign pledge wall as a gesture of their commitment to advancing animal welfare.

Biyaya Animal Care also conducted training on the flank method for provincial veterinarians to strengthen local capacity for population control. Maxime and UNAHCO–Yumyum Dog Food provided giveaways for pet owners.

Meralco said the activity supports its broader TNVR program implemented within company properties and extended to partner communities.

“We believe that caring for animals is part of caring for people. Through programs like this, we aim to inspire others to act—because every life matters, and every effort counts. We invite everyone to continue working together to expand this advocacy and ensure that every animal receives the care they deserve,” OMF President and Meralco Chief CSR Officer Jeffrey O. Tarayao said.

Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said, “Animal welfare is a core part of our malasakit culture at Meralco. Through partnerships like this, we strive to create safer, kinder communities, one initiative at a time.”

Since 2024, the Spay It Forward program has provided spay, neuter, and vaccination services to more than 670 animals in Meralco-served areas and partner locations.

How significant are initiatives like this in tourism areas and utility-host communities? Share your insights.

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