The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has sought the support of government communicators in empowering consumers to better manage their energy consumption.

During the First Quarter Conference of Association of Information Officers in Metro Manila (AIMM), Meralco representatives led by Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga (third from left) recognized the unique power of information officers in helping disseminate relevant and useful information to the communities they serve.

“Meralco is committed to foster a stronger relationship with our customers through transparency and education. This synergy between public utility companies like Meralco and public information offices is important because our collaboration makes it possible for timely information to reach the consumers and its communities,” Zaldarriagasaid during the gathering held at the distribution utility’s headquarters in Pasig City.

Alongside Zaldarriaga were Meralco Customer Care Officer Rita Constantina Capalad (fourth from right) who discussed the components of a Meralco electric bill and how understanding the bills they pay can help customers manage their electricity consumption; and Meralco PowerLab Manager John Pocholo Pobina (thitd from right) who shared practical tips on how to be more energy efficient and save on electricity costs.

For Meralco, partnerships with groups like AIMM is critical to its information education efforts.  Besides the power distributor, representatives from PhilHealth, Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and Commission on Elections (Comelec) also provided insights to the government communicators from 17 local government units, national government agencies and other government offices who attended the conference last March 21.

Seen in photo, from left, are Meralco Head of Advocacy Communications Management Michelle Caguioa, Philippine Information Agency – National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Director Emver P. Cortez, Meralco’s Zaldarriaga, PRSP President Ma. Luisa P. Sebastian, Department of Budget and Management Head of Media Affairs Richard Vargas, Pasig City Comelec Officer Atty. Ronald O. Santiago, Meralco’s Capalad, Meralco’s Pabino, AIMM Secretary Mary Ann Tanbio and AIMM Public Relations Officer Cesar Martin Jr.