BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Meralco Grows Urban Farms, Plants Thousands Of Trees To Boost Sustainability
Contributed photo
Sustainability is taking root in more ways than one at Manila Electric Company (Meralco), as the power distributor continues to expand its urban farming and greening programs across its facilities while strengthening partnerships with local communities.
Under its "Powering the Good Life" sustainability agenda, the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led company has been encouraging employees and nearby communities to take part in environmental initiatives that go beyond its core business of delivering electricity.
One of its flagship programs, PowerPlants, has steadily grown since its launch in 2024. What started as an internal urban farming initiative now includes 20 operational farms across Meralco's headquarters, business centers, and sector offices, with seven more sites expected to open this year.
The gardens produce vegetables such as pechay, mustasa, malunggay, and other leafy greens, providing fresh harvests for employees and surrounding communities. Nearly 200 employee volunteers have participated in the program, benefiting more than 700 individuals through regular produce distributions.
The initiative was inspired by Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, who pushed for the establishment of urban farms within the company's properties.
“We stay true to our word first to deliver power, to light up people’s homes, offices, malls, factories at the least cost to our customers. But on top of that, we have attached the responsibility of preserving our environment,” Pangilinan said.
Beyond its own facilities, Meralco has also partnered with local government units in Quezon City, particularly Barangays West Kamias and Talayan, to bring the benefits of urban farming to more communities while promoting sustainable practices.
Alongside PowerPlants, the company is transforming its Pasig headquarters into a greener workspace. By the end of 2025, more than 6,000 trees and plants had already been cultivated at the Meralco Operating Center. The company aims to increase that number to 9,000 by the end of 2026 and nearly 14,000 by 2027.
Meralco said the planting initiative follows standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring that the selected trees and plants contribute to cleaner air, biodiversity, and healthier surroundings.
The company's sustainability efforts are supported by several departments, including One Meralco Foundation, the Corporate Sustainability Office, Facilities, Safety & Security Management, Customer Retail Services, and Networks Distribution Services.
Meralco Head of Home and Micro Business – North Business Area and CRS Sustainability Champion Alleni O. Pascual said the program continues to create positive impact both inside and outside the company.
“Meralco’s PowerPlants program, through urban farming and partnerships with LGUs and barangays, extends sustainability beyond the workplace—boosting employee wellbeing, fostering eco-conscious practices, and providing fresh produce that strengthens communities and neighborhood ties,” Pascual said.
Meralco Head of Integrated Asset Management and Networks Sustainability Champion Joseph Allan C. Baltazar also emphasized the broader purpose of the initiative.
"PowerPlants reflects Meralco's commitment to making sustainability an important responsibility across our organization. By empowering our employees to transform our workplaces into thriving green spaces, we cultivate environmental stewardship, promote health and well-being, and create lasting value for the communities we are privileged to serve,” Baltazar said.
As it expands its urban farms and greening projects, Meralco said it remains committed to making sustainability a long-term part of its operations by encouraging employees and communities to take an active role in protecting the environment.
Under its "Powering the Good Life" sustainability agenda, the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led company has been encouraging employees and nearby communities to take part in environmental initiatives that go beyond its core business of delivering electricity.
One of its flagship programs, PowerPlants, has steadily grown since its launch in 2024. What started as an internal urban farming initiative now includes 20 operational farms across Meralco's headquarters, business centers, and sector offices, with seven more sites expected to open this year.
The gardens produce vegetables such as pechay, mustasa, malunggay, and other leafy greens, providing fresh harvests for employees and surrounding communities. Nearly 200 employee volunteers have participated in the program, benefiting more than 700 individuals through regular produce distributions.
The initiative was inspired by Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, who pushed for the establishment of urban farms within the company's properties.
“We stay true to our word first to deliver power, to light up people’s homes, offices, malls, factories at the least cost to our customers. But on top of that, we have attached the responsibility of preserving our environment,” Pangilinan said.
Beyond its own facilities, Meralco has also partnered with local government units in Quezon City, particularly Barangays West Kamias and Talayan, to bring the benefits of urban farming to more communities while promoting sustainable practices.
Alongside PowerPlants, the company is transforming its Pasig headquarters into a greener workspace. By the end of 2025, more than 6,000 trees and plants had already been cultivated at the Meralco Operating Center. The company aims to increase that number to 9,000 by the end of 2026 and nearly 14,000 by 2027.
Meralco said the planting initiative follows standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), ensuring that the selected trees and plants contribute to cleaner air, biodiversity, and healthier surroundings.
The company's sustainability efforts are supported by several departments, including One Meralco Foundation, the Corporate Sustainability Office, Facilities, Safety & Security Management, Customer Retail Services, and Networks Distribution Services.
Meralco Head of Home and Micro Business – North Business Area and CRS Sustainability Champion Alleni O. Pascual said the program continues to create positive impact both inside and outside the company.
“Meralco’s PowerPlants program, through urban farming and partnerships with LGUs and barangays, extends sustainability beyond the workplace—boosting employee wellbeing, fostering eco-conscious practices, and providing fresh produce that strengthens communities and neighborhood ties,” Pascual said.
Meralco Head of Integrated Asset Management and Networks Sustainability Champion Joseph Allan C. Baltazar also emphasized the broader purpose of the initiative.
"PowerPlants reflects Meralco's commitment to making sustainability an important responsibility across our organization. By empowering our employees to transform our workplaces into thriving green spaces, we cultivate environmental stewardship, promote health and well-being, and create lasting value for the communities we are privileged to serve,” Baltazar said.
As it expands its urban farms and greening projects, Meralco said it remains committed to making sustainability a long-term part of its operations by encouraging employees and communities to take an active role in protecting the environment.
Jul 17, 2026
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