MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) has once again raised the bar for what a power distribution utility should be — particularly in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The company was recently named Grand Winner in the Circle of Excellence for 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 that exemplify excellence and nation-building.
This recognition places MORE Power at the pinnacle of corporate social responsibility, underscoring its steadfast commitment to community development through programs in environmental protection, livelihood support, and youth empowerment. Since taking over as Iloilo City’s official power distributor in 2020, the company has consistently proven that corporate growth and social good can — and should — go hand in hand.
Among its hallmark initiatives are large-scale tree-planting and river cleanup drives, livelihood assistance for vulnerable sectors, support for public education, and collaborations with government and civic organizations on disaster preparedness and sustainable energy. For MORE Power, CSR is not a side activity but a core value — a philosophy of “powering progress with purpose.”
As president and CEO Roel Castro remarked during the awards night, “We are highly honored to receive this recognition. It is a testament that MORE Power is persistent in its commitment to stepping beyond power — not just illuminating homes but also lives and communities.”
He added, “Our deepest appreciation goes to the Asia CEO Awards 2025 for honoring our work for the community. We also thank our government partners, stakeholders, and especially the consumers of Iloilo City, who truly inspire us to serve with purpose and heart.”
Organized annually by the Asia CEO Forum, the Asia CEO Awards is one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious business recognition events. The CSR Company of the Year Award, presented in partnership with Innodata Knowledge Services, honors organizations that champion excellence through ethical and socially responsible practices.
With this accolade, MORE Power joins the ranks of the nation’s most exemplary companies that define responsible business leadership.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is that a power utility — an industry often seen as purely profit-driven — has emerged as a leader in social responsibility, particularly in environmental sustainability.
That’s where MORE Power truly stands out. As Iloilo City’s sole power distributor, it treats CSR with the same importance as customer service and the delivery of reliable, affordable electricity.
As I have often pointed out in my previous columns, MORE Power has become synonymous with corporate social responsibility — arguably setting the standard for how CSR should be practiced, not only among utilities but across all industries.
After all, CSR is a company’s ethical commitment to integrate social and environmental concerns into its operations, creating tangible and lasting benefits for the community.
It is only fitting to echo Roel Castro’s words dedicating the award to the Ilonggo community: “This victory is for everyone — for those who believe that true corporate achievement is measured by the lives we touch and the brighter future we build together.”
Well played, indeed./PN
