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Power distributor Meralco has earned one of the highest honors at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, taking home the Grand Stevie Award along with 11 other distinctions in recognition of its sustainability, innovation, and corporate social responsibility programs.

The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led company received the Grand Stevie for its project, “No One Left in the Dark: How Meralco Brought 24/7 Sustainable Power to Cagbalete Island,” a program that delivered reliable and sustainable electricity to off-grid communities in Cagbalete Island, Quezon.

The recognition was particularly significant as the Grand Stevie is awarded to the highest-rated nomination among entries from the four countries that submitted the most nominations to the prestigious awards program.

Aside from the Grand Stevie, the Cagbalete electrification project also won two Gold Stevie Awards under the Sustainability & Climate Protection Services and Innovation in Corporate Social Responsibility Videos categories.

Meralco secured a total of five Gold Stevie Awards during the ceremony held in Macau, China. Among the winners was the company’s first integrated report, “Integrating Performance, Purpose, and Progress through the First One Meralco Integrated Report 2024,” which was recognized for bringing together financial, operational, sustainability, and governance disclosures into a single corporate report.

Two Meralco executives also received individual honors.

Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive Melanie T. Oteyza was named Thought Leader of the Year for her work in transforming internal audit practices and promoting professional excellence and inclusive leadership.

“Earning this recognition is a powerful reminder of why purposeful leadership matters, and I am honored to bring this award home to Meralco as we remain committed to building a future defined by trust, accountability, and positive impact. This honor reinforces my dedication to driving thought leadership that transforms progress in our region through risk consciousness, digital preparedness, and inclusive leadership,” she said.

Meanwhile, First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo was named Climate Hero of the Year for the third consecutive year, highlighting his efforts in integrating sustainability into Meralco’s operations and long-term strategy.

“This honor is a tribute to the nearly 20,000 women and men of One Meralco who work tirelessly not only to keep the lights on for over eight million customers, but also to power a cleaner, more inclusive future for our nation. This recognition fuels our resolve to keep advancing—as a power company and as a partner in building sustainable progress for all,” he said.

The company also received a Silver Stevie Award for its “Greening the Network” initiative, which focuses on making its operations and infrastructure more sustainable through the use of renewable energy and innovative environmental solutions.

Five Bronze Stevie Awards were also awarded to Meralco for projects centered on community engagement, marketing innovation, and social impact. These included the “Liwanag Park 2025: A Brighter Christmas for All” campaign, a community electrification initiative in Batangas through the One Meralco Foundation, and an educational forum designed to promote internal audit literacy among professionals and students.

This year’s Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards attracted more than 1,000 nominations from 29 markets across the region, covering categories related to sustainability, innovation, corporate reporting, marketing, and social impact.

The latest recognition further strengthens Meralco’s standing among Asia-Pacific companies driving innovation while advancing sustainability and community development initiatives.