With steadfast commitment to comprehensive economic and sustainable development, the Aboitiz Group steps up its strategies to advocate and drive progress in ABAC’s theme of Equality, Sustainability, and Opportunity. By incorporating these principles into their operations and initiatives, Aboitiz is actively contributing towards a more prosperous ASEAN region.
As the Philippines looks forward to hosting the ABAC 3 meeting in Cebu, the Aboitiz group acts as a key driver in advancing the shared goals of equity, sustainability, and opportunity. The invaluable expertise of Aboitiz President and CEO, and ABAC PH member Sabin Aboitiz, contribute significantly to the Aboitiz Group’s endeavors and enhance the alignment between ABAC’s vision and the strategies.
Sabin Aboitiz demonstrates the Aboitiz Group’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. The focus on exploring the viability of Nuclear Energy via Small Modular Reactors highlights the Group’s interest in advancing clean and efficient energy sources, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Additionally, the integration of Climate Risk Scenarios underscores the Group’s proactive approach to understanding and addressing the potential risks and challenges posed by climate change.
“At Aboitiz, we believe that businesses have a crucial role to play in promoting equity, sustainability, and opportunity,” Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz said. “Through our collective efforts, we are committed to making a positive impact on society and fostering a better future for all,” he added.
Apart from being the pioneer of renewable energy in the Philippines with 1249.17MW of total net sellable renewable energy capacity, AboitizPower, the energy arm of the Aboitiz Group, has shown commitment in promoting equity and inclusion within the company. Testament to that is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) program which aims to push the envelope further in creating a safe and welcoming workplace for all. The DEIB program includes the establishment of resource networks for LGBT+, women at work, and “special life” team members, which include single parents and differently-abled workers.
Group wide, Aboitiz also implements several initiatives that further celebrates diversity and maintain an inclusive workplace. Among them are info sessions and people stories for Women’s Month, Pride Month, and Mental Health Month. Aboitiz also recognized the significance of showcasing the demographics within its workforce. The company boasts a balanced representation of male and female team members, fostering an environment that values gender equality and provides equal opportunities for all.
Aboitiz Equity Ventures, AboitizPower, and Aboitiz InfraCapital are also proud member companies of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, a nonprofit organization advocating for workplace gender equality. Aboitiz understands that the overall success of the company also depends on the individual success of the team members. And by creating a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, the Aboitiz group makes sure that no one is left behind on the journey towards progress.
Furthermore, the Aboitiz-led UnionBank of the Philippines plays an important role in the group’s digitalization path. Driven by its dedication to “Tech-Up Pilipinas” and fostering widespread economic growth, UnionBank remains unwavering in its assurance that nobody, be it its clients, employees, or fellow citizens, will get left behind.
Environmental stewardship also lies at the core of Aboitiz’s efforts, as the company actively pursues environmentally responsible practices and solutions that meet the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), the holding company of the Aboitiz Group, has placed sustainability at the forefront of its business strategy. The Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, which is located at the tip coast of Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City, is a huge part of Aboitiz’s sustainability efforts. The eight-hectare biodiversity park serves as a haven for migratory and local birds, various mangrove species, a pawikan rescue center facility and a nesting ground for critically endangered sea turtles.
By partnering with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Aboitiz continues to live out its sustainability efforts by also spearheading the protection and rehabilitation of the Boracay Wetland No.4. As a linear urban park, the Boracay Wetland will offer a range of recreational activities that incorporate eco-friendly tourism designs, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Apart from biodiversity conservation, Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, advocates for better water resource management via corporations like Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) and LIMA Water Corporation (LWC). Apo Agua is building one of the Philippines’ largest private bulk water supply facilities in Davao City, which harnesses sustainable water sources and provides reliable water supply to the growing population of Davao City. The project not only ensures access to clean water but also supports the local economy and promotes environmental stewardship.
Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, Aboitiz continues to create opportunities for growth and economic progress. By empowering individuals and communities, the company is sowing the seeds for sustainable economic progress and shared prosperity, helping to advance the business and the community that they serve.
As ABAC continues to champion the themes of equity, sustainability, and opportunity, the Aboitiz Group remains steadfast in its commitment to being a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. By fostering an atmosphere that values diversity, advocating sustainable actions and channelizing investments into projects that empower communities; the Aboitiz Group is taking the initiative in leading the way towards a more equitable and ecologically responsible ASEAN region.
About ABAC Philippines
APEC Leaders, in 1995, established the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) tasked to provide a private sector perspective towards achieving free and open trade and investments in the Asia Pacific region (Bogor goals). In 2020, Leaders adopted the Putrajaya Vision, for an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.
The Council had its first meeting and dialogue with the Leaders in 1996 when the Philippines first chaired APEC. Ambassador Roberto Romulo of the Philippines served as ABAC’s founding chairman.
Every year, ABAC submits a Report to APEC Leaders which outlines key recommendations focused on regional economic integration. ABAC also engages with Ministers, especially those responsible for Trade, Finance, SME, Energy, Food Security, Health, and Women to address urgent challenges.
ABAC Members representing the Philippines are Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz, Tomas Alcantara, Chair of ABAC Philippines, Joanne de Asis, Globe Capital Partners LLC Chairperson, Francis Chua, Founding Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, Philippines (ICCP), and Liveable Cities Challenge Chairman Guillermo Luz.
