BDO Unibank is reinforcing its commitment to fostering a green economy through a series of groundbreaking sustainable finance initiatives. At the Climate Convergence Forum, Nestor V. Tan, President and CEO of BDO Unibank, underscored the bank’s pivotal role in connecting the growing supply of capital from the sustainable investment community with the increasing demand for sustainable financing solutions.
“We remain committed to our sustainability philosophy as we continue to ingrain sustainability in all aspects of the business while transitioning to a low-carbon economy,” said Tan. His statement reflects BDO’s ongoing dedication to embedding sustainability deeply within its operational framework and investment strategies.
Pioneering Sustainable Finance
As a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable finance, BDO has set a high standard within the financial sector. The bank’s Green Bond and Blue Bond issuances have been pioneering, marking the first instances of such financial instruments among Philippine financial institutions. These bond issuances have not only demonstrated BDO’s leadership but have also established important benchmarks for corporate sustainable financing, both within the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.
The Green Bond focuses on financing projects with significant environmental benefits, while the Blue Bond is dedicated to supporting projects that address ocean and water-related issues. Together, these bonds reflect BDO’s commitment to addressing both land-based and marine environmental challenges.
Record-Breaking ASEAN Sustainability Bonds
BDO’s achievements in sustainable finance are further highlighted by its record-setting ASEAN Sustainability Bond issuances. In 2022, the bank achieved a milestone by issuing P52.7 billion, making it the largest issuance for any Philippine financial institution or company at that time. This record was subsequently surpassed in 2024 when BDO issued a staggering P63.3 billion.
Continuing its trend of high-impact sustainability efforts, BDO completed its third ASEAN Sustainable Bond issuance on July 16, 2024, raising P55.7 billion. These significant issuances underscore the growing investor confidence in BDO’s sustainable finance initiatives and the increasing demand for responsible investment opportunities.
Funding High-Impact Projects
The funds raised through BDO’s sustainable finance instruments are directed toward a diverse array of projects aimed at addressing pressing environmental and social issues. These projects include investments in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and clean transportation, all of which contribute to reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
Additionally, BDO’s sustainable finance efforts support projects in resource efficiency, pollution control, and sustainable management of natural resources. The bank’s financing also extends to sustainable water and wastewater management, employment generation, women entrepreneurship, and food security. These initiatives are aligned with BDO’s Sustainable Finance Framework, which encompasses Green, Blue, Sustainable, Social, and Gender financing categories.
Climate Convergence Forum: A Platform for Sustainability
The Climate Convergence: Actions toward a Resilient Future event, organized by SGV & Co.’s Knowledge Institute, provided an important platform for discussing climate-related challenges and solutions. The forum aimed to deepen understanding of climate risks and their implications for business operations while facilitating the exchange of knowledge to address the climate crisis.
The event also served to highlight and acknowledge innovative business practices that contribute to resilience and sustainability across various industries. By participating in this forum, BDO reinforced its role as a leader in advancing sustainable finance and fostering industry-wide discussions on climate resilience.
Driving a Sustainable Future
BDO Unibank’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development reflect its long-term commitment to building a greener economy. Through its pioneering Green Bonds, Blue Bonds, and record-setting ASEAN Sustainability Bonds, BDO is playing a critical role in advancing eco-friendly investments in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The bank’s focus on financing high-impact projects and its active participation in industry forums underscores its dedication to supporting sustainability and driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.
For more information about BDO’s sustainable finance initiatives, visit their official website.
