Under his guidance, Meralco achieved unprecedented milestones, clinching a historic 3-peat Company of the Year title at the IABC Philippine Quill Awards, scoring the only PR Team of the Year trophy bestowed at the Anvil Awards, and securing numerous honors at international and local communication awards.
Manong Joe’s leadership also extends as a respected member of the Board of Trustees for the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), concurrent with his role as Chairman of the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC Philippines) where he also served as its President.
Manong Joe is a distinguished awardee of the medallion of honor and scroll of commendation from the University of Manila, owing to his years in public service as a communications professional. He shares his insights through columns in renowned publications, including The Philippine Star’s The Z Factor, and Philippine News Agency’s ESPRESSO MORNINGS.
During last week’s Giga Summit 2025, Meralco launched its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program —highlighting what’s possible when vision, collaboration, and government support come together to achieve a shared goal: a secure and sustainable energy future.
NEST, according to Meralco chairperson and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan or MVP, is the company’s flagship initiative to incorporate nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon energy solution.
Among the initiatives being considered under NEST are initiating large-scale greenfield projects through partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Nuclear Energy Agency, and nuclear operators from France and South Korea. Meralco is also looking at exploring the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in collaboration with the United States; and studying the feasibility of rehabilitating the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
The launch of NEST comes two years after Meralco introduced its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program during the first Giga Summit in 2023, through which five scholars have been sent abroad to study nuclear engineering.
Meralco’s phased approach to exploring the integration of nuclear energy in our country’s power supply mix ensures due diligence in assessing all aspects of such a bold initiative responsibly.
From engagements and partnerships with international nuclear agencies and authorities to sending young Filipino engineers to study nuclear science abroad —Meralco is working towards building the necessary infrastructure for our own energy security.
With energy demand continuously rising coupled with the threat posed by climate change, the need for reliable, low-carbon solutions have become imperative for the country. The adoption of nuclear energy provides a viable path towards a sustainable energy future where Filipinos can utilize cleaner and cleaner power supply at lower costs.
Other countries such as France, South Korea, and the US, have successfully done it and yet despite the successful models they have presented in harnessing nuclear power, the word “nuclear” can still stir worry among people, and understandably so. Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima still linger in public consciousness.
But fear or worry should not paralyze us from innovating and working towards our shared goal of not just a secure and sustainable energy future but also one that is safe for all.
Instead of being frozen with fear, these concerns should drive us to demand a comprehensive policy framework from the government for the adoption of nuclear energy, regulatory readiness, the highest safety standards, transparency, and consistent public engagement.
The path towards a secure and sustainable energy future should be open to the people.
After all, energy security is the responsibility of everyone involved in it.
It should be approached holistically to ensure that it serves as an enabler of economic growth and social progress.
Meralco’s efforts to learn and partner with international nuclear agencies and authorities show commitment on the part of the company to ensure safety in the adoption of this technology. Indeed, learning from the best practices of experienced nations is essential in carving our own path towards a secure and sustainable energy future.
Admittedly, these initiatives seem all too complex for many Filipinos. This is why it’s important to hold conversations such as the Giga Summit to bring together policymakers, industry experts, the regulator, the academic community, and private companies to lay down the groundwork for real-world action.
The path towards a sustainable energy future is not one without roadblocks but with active and open public-private collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community participation —we are on our way to achieving true energy security.
