MALASAKIT FUR ALL. Seen in the photo are (L-R) Meralco First Vice President and Head, Facilities, Safety and Security Management Jerry Lao, Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga, Congressman Brian Poe, One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey Tarayao and Animal Welfare Advocacy Program Manager and Head of Advocacy Communications Management Michelle Caguioa during the animal welfare seminar held last March 13 at its headquarters in Pasig City.
Meralco marked its 123rd founding anniversary with a meaningful show of corporate citizenship, gathering partners from government, the private sector, and civil society to advance a shared advocacy for animal welfare, public health, and safer communities.
At the center of the celebration was “Malasakit Fur All: Meralco CATropa and kaBARKada,” a whole-day event that brought together more than 150 employees, advocates, and partner organizations in support of responsible pet ownership, humane animal care, and greater rabies awareness. Timed with Rabies Awareness Month, the initiative underscored the strong link between animal welfare and community well-being.
The event featured prominent animal welfare advocates, including Congressman Brian Poe, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and De La Salle University professor Laureen Velasco, each of whom highlighted the importance of stronger policies and sustained collaboration in protecting animals.
Poe, who attended with his pet dog Chanel, stressed that animal welfare should be treated as a collective responsibility. He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening legal protections for animals through legislation in Congress. “I’m championing animal welfare in Congress, we are going to pass, hopefully, the Revised Animal Welfare Act. There are those of us in Congress who care or listen, who will get this law passed with your help,” he said.
In a video message, Pangilinan likewise pledged to continue supporting measures that promote the protection and humane treatment of animals. He also backed proposals to amend existing laws, particularly by increasing penalties for acts of cruelty.
Velasco, founder of DLSU Pusa, shared how her group has remained committed to rescuing stray cats and building a more compassionate environment for animals. Her message highlighted how grassroots action can create lasting impact and help nurture kinder communities.
The event also reflected Meralco’s own growing animal welfare advocacy through CATropa, an initiative spearheaded by Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga. For the company, the program is part of its wider commitment to malasakit, one of its core values, by extending care not only to people but also to animals that are part of the community.
Zaldarriaga said partnerships with organizations that share the same mission are crucial in promoting animal welfare as part of public safety and social responsibility. “March is observed as Rabies Awareness Month, a time to strengthen public awareness about responsible pet ownership, vaccination, and humane population management. 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.
Beyond the forum, the event featured a series of activities that turned advocacy into action. These included a TNVR and vaccination initiative for Meralco community cats, a pet adoption drive, a pet fashion show, and a storytelling activity for the children of Meralco employees.
The program was made possible through the support of various partners, including the Pasig City Veterinary Office, City Veterinary Office of Mandaluyong, Biyaya Animal Care, Doggie Woggie Pethub PH, Standard Insurance, Pawpy (Naby Farma Corp), Puppy Lab, Loyal Pet Petzada, Same Day Pet Product, Furbyland Yumyum Dog Food, Maxime PH, Powerpets, 168 Mall, Tomoro Coffee, Arb Salad Master, Cimory Yogurt, and Snack Bouquet.
By using its anniversary celebration to spotlight animal welfare, Meralco showed how corporate milestones can also serve as platforms for advocacy. Through stronger collaboration and sustained community engagement, the company continues to promote compassion, responsible pet ownership, and rabies prevention in ways that benefit both animals and the communities they belong to.
