Manuel V. Pangilinan‑led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) joined 100 global leaders at the 2026 United Nations Private Sector Forum held on Sept. 20, 2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Hosted annually on behalf of UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres, the invitation-only Forum brings the voice of business to the United Nations by convening global CEOs and investors, Heads of State, and UN Principals for a dialogue around advancing critical global goals.
The World at an Energy Crossroads
The Forum took place at a crucial moment when the global energy transition faces both urgency and opportunity. Geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruption have exposed the risks of fossil fuel dependence, while strengthening the case for clean, diversified, and domestically anchored energy systems. Yet despite falling renewable costs and growing confidence in private sector leadership, progress has not reached the speed or scale the moment demands.
It was against this backdrop that Meralco, represented by Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo, brought the Philippine perspective to the dialogue — underscoring the realities of an emerging market where energy security and affordability remain paramount, and where innovative financing and policy solutions are essential to accelerate renewable energy deployment.
Advancing the Philippine Perspective: Meralco Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo, the lone Filipino delegate, espoused balancing energy affordability and reliability with the transition to cleaner energy.Meralco’s Long-term Sustainability Strategy: A Model for Transformation
In the Forum, Ravelo, the lone Philippine delegate, shared Meralco’s Long-term Sustainability Strategy, which was recognized for its clear vision and disciplined approach to the energy transition. Structured across three decades through 2050, it charts a pragmatic pathway toward a low-carbon future while remaining firmly grounded in the realities of energy affordability and reliability.
Emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to decarbonization, Ravelo said: “For the Philippine energy transition to be just and orderly, it cannot rely on a single solution — it requires multiple technologies working in concert over time. This means sustaining thermal generation in the near term, while scaling renewable energy today and preparing for the adoption of emerging clean energy solutions such as nuclear, hydrogen, and carbon capture as they become commercially viable. By balancing immediate power needs with longer-term decarbonization goals, Meralco outlines a clear roadmap for transforming the country’s energy landscape without compromising economic growth and development.”
Beyond decarbonization, Meralco was also hailed by Forum participants for embedding social impact into the energy transition. Anchored on the company’s overarching sustainability agenda, “Powering the Good Life,” it views clean energy not as an end in itself, but as an enabler of broader societal progress.
For instance, MTerra Solar, the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility, demonstrates how climate ambition can translate into tangible economic and social gains. While now delivering 600 MW of clean power to the grid, it also energizes local value chains — generating livelihood opportunities for host communities during construction and operations. MTerra Solar is a testament to how the transition to cleaner energy is likewise a catalyst for inclusive growth and broad-based prosperity.
“To Do Good, One Must First Do Well”
At the Forum, Ravelo echoed a principle advocated by Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan: “To do good, one must first do well.” For emerging markets such as the Philippines, this means keeping energy security and affordability front and center even as the country advances its decarbonization ambitions.
Drawing an analogy, Ravelo added that while many mature economies are already at the starting line and ready to sprint toward a clean energy future, emerging markets are still preparing for the race, building the capabilities and conditions needed to succeed. For developing economies such as the Philippines, the challenge is not simply moving faster, but ensuring that the transition leaves no one behind.
Powering Progress with Purpose: Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan shares his vision for a just, orderly, and affordable energy transition during the One Meralco Long-term Sustainability Strategy Summit.Bringing the Philippine Voice to the Global Stage
Meralco’s participation at the 2026 UN Private Sector Forum was beyond symbolic — it marked a defining moment of leadership on the world stage. As the lone Philippine representative, Meralco brought the national perspective into dialogue with the UN Secretary-General, global CEOs, and Heads of State, positioning the Philippines as a driving force in shaping the future of international energy policy. Equally important, it demonstrated how Philippine companies can contribute meaningfully to global conversations while remaining grounded in national priorities.
In the words of Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Meralco’s responsibility is to “power progress with purpose” by delivering sustainable growth, uplifting communities, and securing a just energy future for the nation it serves.
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