EMBRACING INCLUSION. SHINE Special Education Center, Inc. Founder and President Maria Rosario Joaquin,
together with Meralco senior leaders Raymond Ravelo, Chief Sustainability Officer; Edeliza Lim, Head of Marketing
and Brand Experience; and other members of the Meralco team—join SHINE students in celebrating a milestone for
workplace inclusion under Meralco’s #Mbrace Diversity & Inclusion program.
Workplace inclusion begins with an opportunity to participate. For three students with autism, that opportunity came through an internship that allowed them to take on assignments, learn alongside mentors and discover how their skills could contribute to a professional environment.
Manila Electric Company (Meralco) welcomed the students through a partnership with Shine Special Education Center, Inc. (SHINE), opening a pathway from classroom learning to practical workplace experience.
The students handled tasks such as creative design and encoding under a structured immersion program. Mentors and job coaches guided them throughout the experience, helping them adjust to the workplace, develop skills and build confidence and independence.
The partnership is part of #Mbrace, the diversity and inclusion program of the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led power distributor.
“Inclusion is not a one-time initiative—it is a journey we live every day,” said Meralco First Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Hans R. Montenegro.
“By opening our doors to Persons with Disabilities, we are not only creating opportunities but also reshaping the workplace to reflect empathy, respect, and dignity. Our partnership with SHINE is a testament to Meralco’s commitment to building safe spaces where everyone can belong,” he said.
For students preparing to enter the workforce, exposure to actual assignments offers a chance to apply what they have learned while becoming more familiar with professional routines and expectations. Guidance from mentors and job coaches helps make that transition more accessible.
SHINE President Maria Rosario Joaquin said the experience also carries a deeply personal significance for the students.
“For our students, this experience is more than just training—it is a chance to be seen, valued, and included,” Joaquin said.
“Meralco’s allyship shows how corporate partners can bridge education and employment readiness, giving young people with autism the confidence to step into the future with hope. We look forward to continuing this journey with Meralco and bringing more students into inclusive spaces like these,” she added.
Both organizations plan to engage more students in the months ahead, extending opportunities for persons with disabilities to gain experience in welcoming workplaces.
The initiative also marks the continuing expansion of #Mbrace. Introduced in 2021 with a focus on women’s empowerment and representation, the program has since broadened to embrace LGBTQIA+ colleagues and persons with disabilities.
Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo said creating opportunities for people with diverse abilities is integral to the company’s sustainability agenda.
“By opening pathways for PWDs, we show that true sustainability is about creating workplaces where everyone can contribute and belong. Inclusion strengthens our workforce, enriches our culture, and ensures that every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” Ravelo said.
Anchored in Meralco’s “Powering the Good Life” sustainability agenda and its four pillars—Power, Planet, People and Prosperity—#Mbrace brings that commitment into everyday workplace practice.
For the students participating in the SHINE partnership, it begins with something concrete: an assignment to accomplish, a mentor to guide them and an opportunity to contribute.
