Pangilinan gets award from Manila archbishop
THE Catholic Church has honored Manila Electric Company (Meralco) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel Pangilinan with the highest papal award for the laity.
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, on behalf of Pope Francis, conferred the Cross Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice upon Pangilinan and eight other recipients during a Mass at the Manila Cathedral- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception last Jan. 17.
The award, which translates to “For Church and Pope,” is an honor given by the Pope to the laity for their service to the Catholic Church.
First instituted by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, the gold medal features the images of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
“You are sent to look for many opportunities to do good for others and to make more of our brothers and sisters feel God’s care, compassion, healing and love through you,” Cardinal Advincula said during the awarding.
Pangilinan, a long-time supporter and member of the Board of Trustees of Caritas Manila, said he would continue to support other philanthropic organizations on top of the various foundations he leads.
“I think that the work Caritas Manila does, and our foundations, is really to be not too self-interested, and to be mindful of others. After all, what are we here on Earth for except to benefit humanity,” Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan also sits as Chairman of the One Meralco Foundation, the corporate social development arm of Meralco.
