Contributed photo

Manuel V. Pangilinan–led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has taken a concrete step in its sustainability journey after officially turning over its first batch of plastic waste to social enterprise The Plastic Flamingo Philippines (PLAF).

The milestone donation was marked during a site visit and plant tour at PLAF’s recycling facility in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, signaling a stronger push for Meralco’s Race to Zero Waste Program. Representatives from the company’s Facilities, Safety & Security Management, Networks Distribution Services, Corporate Sustainability Office, and One Meralco Foundation joined the activity, highlighting a company-wide effort to improve waste management practices.

The partnership is part of Meralco’s broader commitment to reducing operational waste and supporting circular economy solutions—where plastic waste is transformed into usable, long-lasting products instead of ending up in landfills or the ocean.

Earlier this year, Meralco and PLAF signed a memorandum of agreement to strengthen waste diversion initiatives under the Race to Zero Waste Program. For its initial donation, Meralco successfully diverted more than 500 kilograms of plastic waste collected from its North, Central, and South Business Areas, as well as its Ortigas Center headquarters.

This move complements Meralco’s company-wide ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), which has already led to a 57% reduction in SUP waste, cutting volumes from 45 metric tons in 2021 to 19 metric tons in 2024.

Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo underscored the impact of the initiative, saying:

“Race to Zero Waste has been one of our flagship sustainability programs since 2020 and has boosted our waste diversion rate more than fivefold—from a baseline of 17% to 95% today. This partnership with PLAF builds on that achievement, further translating our sustainability efforts into real, measurable, and meaningful impact for both people and the planet.”

PLAF, a French-founded social enterprise operating in the Philippines since 2018, focuses on stopping plastic waste before it reaches the ocean. The group converts collected plastics into 100% recycled products such as ecoboards, shelters, furniture, and school chairs. With over 300 collection points across Metro Manila, PLAF continues to play a key role in addressing marine plastic pollution while supporting local communities.

Meralco Vice President and Head of Facilities and Safety Management Jerry B. Lao emphasized that sustainability goes beyond waste collection.

“Proper waste management is only the beginning. Real sustainability is finding ways to convert waste into something that benefits both the environment and the communities around us.”

The collaboration reflects Meralco’s sustainability agenda, Powering the Good Life, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is built around four pillars—Power, Planet, People, and Prosperity. Through initiatives like this, Meralco aims to ensure that every kilogram of plastic diverted contributes to a cleaner environment and a more resilient future for Filipinos.