Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) joined forces with partners from government, the private sector, and civil society to reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing animal welfare, protecting public health, and creating safer communities for both people and animals.
As part of its 123rd founding anniversary, Meralco hosted “Malasakit Fur All: Meralco CATropa and kaBARKada,” a whole-day activity dedicated to promoting animal welfare. The event gathered more than 150 employees, advocates, and partners in a collective effort to champion responsible pet ownership and compassionate care for animals.
The event, which coincided with the Rabies Awareness Month, was headlined by animal welfare advocates Congressman Brian Poe, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and De La Salle University (DLSU) Professor Laureen Velasco
Animal welfare and public safety
Rep. Poe, who was joined by his pet dog Chanel, emphasized in his keynote speech that protecting animals is a shared responsibility and pledged that he will continue championing animal welfare 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 his video message to fellow advocates, Senator Pangilinan committed to continuously championing animal welfare and pushing for policies that ensure better protection and compassionate care for animals. He also expressed support to amending the law, specifically in terms of increasing penalties on animal cruelty.
Meanwhile, Professor Velasco, who is the founder of DLSU Pusa, shared the story of the advocacy group and its unwavering dedication to rescuing stray cats that aims to build a kinder and stronger community for them.
The heartwarming gathering brought into light the inspiring and positive changes that animal welfare advocacy brings to the communities.
The event also aligns with Meralco’s own animal welfare initiative, CATropa, initiated by Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga.
In his remarks, Zaldarriaga emphasized that partnerships with like-minded organizations help advance animal welfare as an essential part of promoting public safety and malasakit, one of Meralco’s core values.
“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.
For Meralco, this shared commitment to animal welfare continues to drive impactful initiatives that promote compassion, raise rabies awareness, and encourage responsible pet ownership—helping build a healthier and more harmonious society for both humans and animals.
The Meralco animal welfare event was made possible through the support of 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.
Apart from the seminar, Meralco CATropa organized several other activities, including a TNVR and vaccination initiative for Meralco community cats, a pet fashion show, a pet adoption drive, and a storytelling activity for kids of Meralco employees. #
