PATEROS, PHILIPPINES, 15 December 2024— In line with its animal welfare advocacy, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has partnered with the Pateros local government unit (LGU) and the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) for the provision of free spaying and neutering services.
Meralco’s Spay it Forward initiative benefitted over 120 cats and dogs in Pateros, the lone municipality in Metro Manila without its own veterinarian office. The pets also received anti-rabies vaccinations during the one-day activity held at Pateros Elementary School.
PMVA, along with Biyaya Animal Care, extended support through their expertise to make the initiative a success.
This initiative aligns well with their thrust to address pet overpopulation and rabies, and promote responsible pet ownership.
“Meralco’s animal welfare advocacy is very much aligned with our PVMA Rabies Elimination initiative and we believe it will be synergistic with our program. If we align and combine our efforts and resources, we will be able to do more both for the animals and the pet owners alike,” said PVMA President Dr. Harris Constantino.
“The humane approach to animal control is spay/ neuter, vaccinations, and education. Planned Pet Parenthood is a key factor that contributes to a healthier community that is inclusive of cats and dogs,” Biyaya Animal Care Co-Founder and President Rina Ortiz, for her part said.
Meralco, which has been advocating for community-driven animal welfare activities, recently conducted trap, neuter, vaccinate, and release (TNVR) activities within its own compound in Pasig City.
“We are grateful to Meralco for empowering our municipality to prioritize animal welfare through its Spay It Forward campaign. Together, we’re building a more compassionate community,” said Pateros Mayor Miguel “Ike” Ponce.
Aside from making Meralco properties a safe space for community animals, Meralco plans to further extend its Spay it Forward campaign through collaborations with other LGUs and City Veterinarian Offices.
“At the heart of Meralco’s animal welfare advocacy, through the Spay It Forward campaign is our deep sense of malasakit and our commitment to care for the communities we serve. By empowering LGUs with accessible spaying and neutering services, we strive to create safer and healthier communities where both humans and animals can thrive,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.
