Contributed Photo

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by business leader Manuel V. Pangilinan, has reaffirmed its dedication to diversity and inclusion (D&I) with the continued expansion of its enterprise-wide initiative, #Mbrace. First launched in 2021, #Mbrace began as a focused effort to empower women within the company—particularly in technical roles and leadership—and has since evolved into a broader movement that celebrates the individuality and dignity of every employee.

In 2024, Meralco took a significant step forward by extending the program to more actively include LGBTQIA+ individuals, reinforcing its stance that every person—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—deserves a workplace where they feel seen, respected, and valued.

“#Mbrace is not just about policy,” shared Charina Padua, Meralco First Vice President and Head of Customer Retail Services. “It’s about calling out biases, having honest conversations, and fostering a culture of allyship. We’re making sure that both our leaders and customer-facing teams are equipped to handle situations involving discrimination with empathy and professionalism.”

As part of its 2024 Pride Month celebrations, Meralco rolled out a variety of initiatives that demonstrated D&I in action. A highlight was the “Proud to Be Me” forum, which brought together Meralco employees, external partners, and inclusion advocates to share lived experiences and explore how inclusive leadership can be practiced every day. Across its internal channels, the company also showcased Pride Month art cards featuring the personal stories of LGBTQIA+ employees—amplifying voices that too often go
unheard.

In a visible expression of solidarity, rainbow-themed pedestrian lanes were installed at Meralco’s Ortigas headquarters and in ten sector offices, standing as bright reminders of the company’s unwavering support for inclusion.

Raymond Ravelo, First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted how Meralco’s D&I programs are aligned with its broader sustainability commitment under the banner of Powering the Good Life. “Inclusion is everyone’s responsibility,” he said. “There is no powering the good life without empowered people. It’s the small, everyday actions that create spaces where everyone feels they belong.”

Meralco’s efforts are also bolstered through strategic partnerships with the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) and the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP). These collaborations ensure the company remains guided by best practices and contributes to meaningful change across the wider business landscape.

Looking ahead, Meralco is preparing to expand #Mbrace even further—this time to include Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). With this next step, the company remains focused on building a workplace that’s not only inclusive but truly equitable and accessible for all.