INDEED, we now turn our attention to the best of MORE Electric and Power Corporation, more popularly known as MORE Power, “I Am Iloilo City’s” sole power distribution utility. This time, however, we focus on another dimension of the company — its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives — and the impact these have had on the city.
Going beyond its mandate of delivering reliable and reasonably priced electricity, MORE Power has positioned itself as a strong advocate for sustainability and community development.
Through its CSR programs, the company has continuously invested in initiatives that protect the environment, support local livelihoods, and promote public health — affirming its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
At the core of MORE Power’s environmental campaign is its pledge to plant 10,000 trees over six years, contributing to the restoration and preservation of Iloilo City’s green spaces.
This greening initiative began three years ago, when MORE Power volunteers planted 200 mangrove trees along the coastline of Hinactacan, La Paz, Iloilo City. The activity also included a coastal cleanup drive that collected 50 sacks of trash.
Two years later, the company’s volunteers conducted the first-ever mangrove planting activity at Deck 3 of Sunset Boulevard, planting 1,000 saplings in a single day.
To date, MORE Power has planted nearly 3,000 mangroves and more than 7,000 trees across Iloilo City since the launch of its environmental campaign. The initiative remains ongoing as part of its long-term sustainability commitment.
Meanwhile, in addressing child malnutrition, the Provincial Government of Iloilo — supported by MORE Power, the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation Inc. (NVC), and former senator Franklin Drilon — launched the Mingo Nutrition Program in the municipality of San Miguel in May 2024.
The program reflects a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of Ilonggo children, particularly those vulnerable to malnutrition. It stands as a strong example of how public-private collaboration can deliver meaningful, community-based solutions to pressing social challenges.
But there is more to MORE Power’s CSR efforts, particularly in strengthening local agriculture.
The company has donated seeds to the Federation of Farmers in Iloilo City to encourage a shift toward organic farming. This initiative aims to help farmers reduce production costs, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and improve access to affordable and healthy produce for Ilonggo families.
Complementing this is the Farmers’ Market program, which provides a platform for local growers to sell their produce directly to consumers. This not only supports farmers’ livelihoods but also fosters appreciation for locally grown products.
As part of its environmental stewardship, MORE Power also conducts regular fish fingerling releases in the Iloilo River.
The program aims to restore ecological balance, enhance aquatic biodiversity, improve fish variety, and contribute to a sustainable food supply for local communities — while supporting broader river rehabilitation efforts.
In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the company also regularly conducts blood donation drives to help maintain a stable blood supply for medical emergencies and patients in need.
These life-saving initiatives reinforce MORE Power’s commitment not only to environmental sustainability but also to public health and humanitarian service.
What began five years ago has now evolved into an annual tradition. MORE Power has consistently extended support to charitable institutions, channeling resources toward education, healthcare, and essential social services.
Among its beneficiaries are the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center, St. Anne Parish–Molo, Asilo de Molo, Colegio de San Jose, St. Clement’s Parish Church, Assumption Iloilo, Carmelite Missionary–Jaro, the Homeless People’s Federation Philippines, the Philippine Red Cross–Iloilo, and St. Dominic.
As testament to these efforts, MORE Power was named Grand Winner in the Circle of Excellence by Innodata as CSR Company of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Asia CEO Awards, held at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom. The event gathered the country’s top corporate leaders and organizations recognized for excellence and nation-building.
As always, well played./PN
