ESPRESSO MORNINGS
By Joe Zaldarriaga
He was the architect behind Meralco’s most celebrated milestones in the field of communications— steering the company to five-time Company of the Year honors at the Philippine Quill Awards and leading the only PR team ever named Team of the Year in the history of the Anvil 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.
Last Valentine’s Day, Meralco hosted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and various national and local government officials as the company reaffirmed its support for the government’s national energy agenda.
President Marcos Jr. joined Meralco chairperson and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan or MVP, Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan in the event, which highlighted joint efforts to translate the President’s policy directions into programs that deliver measurable benefits for Filipino consumers.
As a decades-old employee of Meralco, I couldn’t help but feel proud of the work that we do to support national development. For someone who has witnessed Meralco’s journey over the years, the reaffirmation of our role in nation-building felt especially meaningful.
MVP reported how the distribution utility has strengthened its partnership with government agencies for the implementation of the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program to ensure marginalized families fully benefit from electricity bill discounts. He also announced improvements in the Net Metering application process, making it easier for households to adopt rooftop solar in line with the administration’s target of energizing one million homes by 2028.
In support of total electrification, Meralco launched a hybrid solar project in Cagbalete Island, Quezon, which will soon provide round-the-clock electricity to more than 1,000 residents. MVP also confirmed that Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) is preparing to energize MTerra Solar, a 3,500-megawatt solar farm with a 4,500-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system—the largest integrated solar facility in the Philippines. The project is scheduled to dispatch its initial 85 MW of power this month, less than 15 months after its inauguration led by President Marcos Jr. in November 2024.
Beyond renewable energy, Meralco secured a USD2.8 million technical assistance grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to study the potential deployment of nuclear plants in the country. MVP emphasized that these milestones were achieved through strong partnerships among government, regulators, utilities, and communities.
“We are deeply grateful that your government appreciates the importance in our work. Thank you for the direction you gave, and the productive partnership given to Meralco by your administration,” MVP told President Marcos Jr.
As the country’s largest distribution utility, Meralco recognizes that our role extends far beyond delivering stable and reliable electricity service. We are partners in nation-building, working hand in hand with the government to ensure that every Filipino household and enterprise within our franchise area has access to affordable, sustainable, and dependable power.
Often, the hard work of those in utilities goes unrecognized or even taken for granted. But last weekend, it was truly heartwarming to hear the President of the country recognize Meralco’s efforts.
“I am heartened to see that government and key stakeholders like Meralco continue to work in alleviating the burdens of our people. Marami sa ating mga kababayan lalo na mga nasa liblib na lugar ang nagangailangan na mas abot-kaya at maaasahang kuryente,” the President said.
He added: “In the spirit of partnership, let me recognize the continued support of Meralco—our largest distribution utility, for its critical role in advancing our energy goals. From the Terra Solar project, which will significantly expand renewable capacity through large-scale solar and battery storage, to the electrification of remote communities and support of our net metering and lifeline rate programs, your initiatives help many Filipinos gain access to energy.”
As spokesperson for Meralco, I understand deeply that energy is the backbone of inclusive growth. Reliable electricity enables factories to operate, hospitals to function, and schools to prepare the next generation. By working closely with government, regulators, and communities, we ensure that energy is not just available but also affordable and sustainable.
Meralco will always be a “tagapaghatid ng liwanag.” This is how we contribute to the President’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas”—a nation with stable energy, clear direction, and inclusive development.
