The initiative was highlighted through “Malasakit Fur All: Meralco CATropa and kaBARKada,” a whole-day event held as part of the company’s 123rd founding anniversary celebration.
More than 150 employees, advocates, and partners gathered for the event, which aimed to promote responsible pet ownership and compassionate care for animals.
Rabies awareness push
The activity coincided with Rabies Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, responsible pet care, and humane animal population management.
Animal welfare advocates Congressman Brian Poe, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and De La Salle University (DLSU) Professor Laureen Velasco headlined the event and shared their perspectives on advancing animal welfare in the country, Meralco said in a press statement.
Shared responsibility
Poe, who attended the event with his pet dog Chanel, underscored that protecting animals requires collective action.
He also pledged to continue pushing for stronger animal welfare 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,” Poe said.
Legislative support
In a recorded message, Senator Pangilinan likewise reaffirmed his support for policies that strengthen protection for animals.
He expressed backing for proposed amendments to the existing animal welfare law, particularly measures that would increase penalties for acts of animal cruelty.
Campus advocacy
Meanwhile, Professor Velasco, founder of the campus-based group DLSU Pusa, shared how the organization rescues and cares for stray cats within the university community.
Velasco highlighted the group’s efforts to build a more compassionate environment for stray animals, noting that community-driven initiatives can lead to meaningful social change.
Corporate initiative
The event also aligns with Meralco’s CATropa animal welfare initiative, launched by Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga.
In his remarks, Zaldarriaga emphasized that collaboration with organizations that share the same advocacy helps advance animal welfare while contributing to public safety.
“March is observed as Rabies Awareness Month, a time to strengthen public awareness about responsible pet ownership, vaccination, and humane population management,” he said.
Zaldarriaga added that initiatives such as the event represent meaningful steps toward preventing rabies while addressing stray animal homelessness in a humane and sustainable way.
Community activities
Beyond the seminar, the event featured a range of activities organized by Meralco CATropa to engage employees and advocates.
These included a TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) and vaccination initiative for Meralco community cats, a pet adoption drive, a pet fashion show, and a storytelling session for children of Meralco employees.
Through these initiatives, Meralco aims to encourage responsible pet ownership while raising awareness about the role communities play in protecting animals.
Partner support
The event was made possible through the support of partners including the Pasig City Veterinary Office, Mandaluyong City Veterinary Office, 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.
For Meralco, the collaboration reflects a broader commitment to promoting compassion, raising rabies awareness, and supporting responsible pet ownership—helping create healthier communities for both humans and animals. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
