As part of its 122nd founding anniversary, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) hosted its first ever seminar that affirms its commitment to proactively champion a safer and more caring society for animals.
The event, Powering Compassion: CATropa and kaBARKada, Unite!, gathered over 150 animal welfare advocates, which includes city veterinarians and private sector leaders, to raise awareness and drive meaningful actions.
“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,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.
Through CATropa, a volunteer-driven movement among Meralco employees, Meralco’s main Ortigas compound has become a safe space for its community cats, proving that humane and responsible animal management is possible.
“We believe that every life matters. That’s why beyond rescuing people in times of disaster, we are also determined to protect and save animals,” Zaldarriaga added.
Experts from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Biyaya Animal Care led insightful discussions to bring focus on pet rescue, responsible ownership, and neutering as the most humane way to manage stray overpopulation in the Philippines.
According to PAWS Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera, neutering is key in controlling the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats, and giving animals a chance shows the “very best aspects of our humanity.” While Biyaya Animal Care President and Co-founder Rina Ortiz highlighted the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program as an ethical and effective solution for managing stray populations, as well as the crucial role of responsible pet ownership in fostering healthier communities.
The success of Meralco’s animal welfare advocacy was made possible through the invaluable support of organizations which includes 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.
With CATropa and kaBARKada, Unite!, Meralco showed that their power to care knows no bounds. Together with its partners, the company is able to power a brighter future for all beings — one where kindness, responsibility, and advocacy create a lasting impact.
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