Meralco launches urban farming project across facilities

By Manila Standard Business – May 9, 2024, 7:45 pm

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) launched its latest sustainability initiative with the introduction of PowerPlants—an urban farming project designed to reinforce its dedication to sustainable practices across its operations and facilities.

PowerPlants, located at the Meralco headquarters in Pasig City, showcases a variety of vegetable produce, including pechay, mustasa, eggplants, malunggay, chilies, tomatoes, ginger and ladyfingers.

The power retailer also maintains urban farms at its Manila Sector Office and Novaliches Business Center.

Meralco asked its employees to participate by volunteering at the urban farm and donating seedlings through the One Meralco Foundation, the company’s corporate social development arm to ensure the sustainability of PowerPlants.

Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan emphasized the company’s dual commitment to delivering affordable and clean energy, while safeguarding the environment during the ceremonial launch.

“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 protecting our planet,” Pangilinan said.

Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond Ravelo noted the significance of PowerPlants in reinforcing the company’s sustainability agenda.

“PowerPlants strengthens our commitment to sustainability and to creating positive impact. Through this urban farm in our own backyard, we have hopefully a simple yet very powerful way of creating a transforming difference in our company, in our communities, and beyond,” Ravelo said.

The PowerPlants Urban Farm is an integral initiative under Meralco’s sustainability agenda, “Powering the Good Life,” which is deeply rooted in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.