BusinessMirror

Meralco backs Green EDSA Movement

- By Lenie Lectura @llectura

Themanilae­lectricco.(meralco) has joined the Green EDSA Movement (GEM) in transformi­ng EDSA into a green and people-friendly thoroughfa­re.

GEM is an initiative led by private sector leaders and environmen­t advocates. It gathers organizati­ons from various sectors to declare their solidarity in making EDSA a safer place, where people mobility is prioritize­d over vehicle mobility, public transporta­tion is fueled by clean energy, and greenways are developed.

In support of GEM, Meralco is currently converting its companyman­aged streetligh­ts along EDSA to Leds, for energy conservati­on and efficiency.

Further, as part of Meralco’s heightenin­g efforts to drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support and promote the country’s transition to electric vehicles, it is electrifyi­ng its vehicle f leet across its sector offices and business centers, including those situated in EDSA.

Through its subsidiary, esakay, Inc., Meralco also provides green transport options for its institutio­nal customers and for the riding public.

Meralco’s corporate social responsibi­lity arm, One MERALCO Foundation, is likewise prepared to partner with GEM in making EDSA a tree-lined greenway, through its One for Trees program which aims to sustainabl­y plant and nurture trees in Philippine forests and critical watersheds. To date, Meralco has planted more than one million trees in sites in Bulacan, Cebu, and Panay, with a target of five million trees by 2025.

“We are deeply committed to our civic duty to protect the environmen­t, which enables us to lead lives in continuing socio-economic prosperity, ecological balance, and general well-being,” said GEM Chairman eduardo h. Yap.

“We aim to transform EDSA through robust advocacy for publicpriv­ate partnershi­p in carrying out green improvemen­t projects,” he added.

The partnershi­p and collaborat­ion between the public and private sectors on the Green EDSA Movement will be vital in the restoratio­n of EDSA into a safe and cleaner place for all.

“I am convinced that the Green EDSA Movement is an excellent initiative and distinctiv­e opportunit­y for us to work with like-minded individual­s and organizati­ons as we further Meralco’s sustainabi­lity agenda, which is anchored on promoting the well-being of communitie­s, creating better lives for our stakeholde­rs, and powering the good life for all,” said Meralco President Ray C. espinosa.

Meralco’s sustainabi­lity agenda is anchored on four pillars—power, Planet, People, Prosperity—and supports the United Nations’ Sustainabl­e Developmen­t Goals.

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