Meralco launches Mapanuring media literacy initiative for employees and stakeholders

Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has launched Mapanuring Meralco, a media and information literacy initiative aligned with UNESCO's Global Media and Information Literacy Week. The programme aims to empower employees and stakeholders with critical thinking skills to navigate misinformation and uphol

Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, has formally launched its own media and information literacy initiative, Mapanuring Meralco, to empower employees and stakeholders to always uphold truth and apply critical thinking when navigating the increasingly complex media landscape.

Aligned with UNESCO's Global Media and Information Literacy Week that ran from 24 to 31 October, the initiative underscores Meralco's commitment to promoting responsible communication and helping build a more informed and discerning society amid the rapid spread of information and the growing challenge of misinformation.

Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga emphasised that the week-long event aims to advance media and information literacy and create a more discerning society where the truth thrives. “We join the global observance of UNESCO’s Global Media and Information Literacy Week, which reminds us of the shared responsibility we have in building a more informed and discerning society,” he said.

Earlier this year, Meralco also formally joined THINKaMuna Pilipinas, a media and information literacy advocacy program led by MediaQuest Holdings, Inc. As part of the launch of its own initiative, Meralco unveiled Mapanuring Meralco: Wired Through the Years, an exhibit tracing the evolution of the power distributor's communication platforms and practices, from traditional print materials to digital channels.

“Trust is the foundation of Meralco’s relationship with its 8.3 million customers,” said Hans Montenegro, Meralco First Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, as he called on employees to always be mindful of the information they consume and share. Besides the exhibit, Meralco also hosted its first Media and Information Literacy Forum on 30 October, bringing together participants for discussions on responsible information consumption and critical thinking.

Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho said: “Information can now travel across millions of screens in seconds through various channels. The importance of everyone’s ability to distinguish facts from false narratives has drastically grown.” He called on employees and stakeholders to become advocates of truth, adding: “Let us not be afraid to speak up when facts are being distorted. We should choose facts over noise, integrity over convenience, and truth over speculation.”