IABC PH Triple P Awards Spotlights Sustainability Champion: Meralco’s Raymond Ravelo As ESG Thought Leader of the Year

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, in partnership with Deloitte and the Makati Business Club, brought together industry leaders at the Marriott Hotel for the first IABC PH Triple P Sustainability Awards, an event showcasing remarkable dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Grounded in the pillars of People, Planet, and Progress, the Triple P Sustainability Awards honored organizations and individuals whose initiatives drive sustainable transformation across industries and create a culture of meaningful, lasting impact.

The ESG Thought Leader of the Year Award is one of several categories that celebrates those leading the way in sustainability. I Photo: Meralco

Recognizing the ESG Thought Leader of the Year

One of the evening's most anticipated distinctions was the ESG Thought Leader of the Year award, a special recognition for an individual whose visionary leadership and innovative approaches have advanced ESG practices and influenced discourse across various sectors.

The esteemed title of ESG Thought Leader of the Year was awarded to Mr. Raymond Ravelo, Chief Sustainability Officer of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and President/CEO of Movem Electric, Inc. (Meralco’s electric mobility company).

A Model of ESG Leadership at Meralco

As ESG Thought Leader of the Year, Mr. Ravelo has shaped and driven Meralco’s sustainability agenda, "Powering the Good Life," elevating the company as a recognized steward of sustainability. Under his distinctive leadership,

Meralco launched its Long-term Sustainability Strategy, targeting a coal-free future by 2050, as well as pioneering initiatives such as Green Mobility (to drive vehicle fleet electrification), Race to Zero Waste (to boost waste diversion), and #Mbrace (to champion diversity and inclusion).

He also helped institute robust sustainability governance by establishing a Board-level Sustainability Committee and a cadre of Sustainability Champions across all line and subsidiary units, integrating sustainability metrics into corporate KPIs, and leading award-winning sustainability reporting efforts.

His work has earned Meralco all-time best ESG scores and inclusion in prominent indices like MSCI, CDP, FTSE Russell, and Bloomberg GEI.

Recognized by prestigious global organizations like the International Business Awards, Stevie Asia-Pacific Awards, and Environmental Finance, Mr. Ravelo is celebrated as a thought leader and sustainability champion in the energy sector.

Reflecting on this recognition, Mr. Ravelo remarked, “On behalf of the close to 6,000 women and men of One Meralco, it is truly my humble honor and privilege to receive this award. This win is for all of them. We are grateful to the IABC for recognizing our efforts, not only in ‘keeping the lights on’ for our 8 million customers but also in driving our sustainability agenda as we continue powering the good life for our customers, communities, constituents, and the country.”

A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact

Melody del Rosario, Chair of the IABC ESG Committee, praised Mr. Ravelo’s contributions to sustainability, stating, “Raymond’s leadership at Meralco exemplifies the depth of commitment and innovative spirit that defines the ESG Thought Leader of the Year. His work reflects the Triple P Awards’ vision to inspire sustainable change across all sectors, showing us what is possible when we prioritize both corporate responsibility and meaningful impact.”

The Triple P Sustainability Awards event was made possible through the support of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation as the Gold Sponsor; Ayala Corporation and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation as Silver Sponsors; and Globe Telecom and Meralco as Bronze Sponsors. Media partners TV5, The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Insider PH, and BusinessMirror amplified the stories of sustainable progress and innovation, helping share the achievements of leaders like Ravelo with a wider audience.

The ESG Thought Leader of the Year Award is one of several categories that celebrated those leading the way in sustainability.

By recognizing individuals and organizations that exemplify the values of People, Planet, and Progress, IABC Philippines aims to inspire continued commitment to building a more sustainable future for all.