Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, President and CEO of Aboitiz Land and Aboitiz Economic Estates, shares the Aboitiz Group’s sustainability journey and real-world progress on climate and water resilience at the UN Global Compact Network Philippines Forward Faster Forum. With him are Cecile Ang of New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation; Jessica Bianca “Jica” Sy-Bell of SM Development Corporation, and Jaime Zobel Urquijo of Ayala Corporation, as they discuss how next-generation leaders are advancing sustainability.
The Aboitiz Group reaffirmed its commitment to responsible and sustainable development at the UN Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) Forward Faster Initiative, where Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, CEO and President of Aboitiz Land and Aboitiz Economic Estates, shared how the Group is translating sustainability goals into measurable action.
As a member of the Board of the Global Compact Network Philippines, Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) continues to champion the alignment of corporate purpose with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Group’s active role in the GCNP reflects its broader commitment to advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards across industries. GCNP, the local entity of the UN Global Compact, serves as the United Nations’ collaboration platform for responsible business, promoting the 10 Principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption while driving sustainable growth nationwide.
“Sustainability is at the heart of how we build and nurture industries and our communities,” said Fernandez de Mesa. “By integrating smart systems, renewable energy, and circular solutions, we contribute to a more resilient economy, creating places that empower businesses, uplift communities, and help drive our nation’s progress.”
The entire operating portfolio of Aboitiz Economic Estates: LIMA Estate in Batangas, West Cebu Estate in Balamban, and MEZ2 Estate in Mactan—are 5-Star BERDE District Certified, the first such recognition for any industrial developer in the Philippines. Spanning more than 2,000 hectares, these estates have attracted over PHP167 billion in investments, created more than 100,000 jobs, and facilitated $54.75 billion in exports to date.
At LIMA Estate, about a third of its power, supplied by AboitizPower, comes from geothermal and hydro sources. Its smart and reliable water network, managed by Aboitiz InfraCapital, saves 20% in fuel consumption while ensuring consistent service across the estate. Meanwhile, the Sustainability Hub turns estate waste into green building materials and hundreds of kilograms of organic compost daily—illustrating how circular, efficient systems can strengthen both productivity and community well-being.
Complementing these on-ground efforts, AEV continues to lead in sustainability and governance. The company recently retained its “A” ESG rating from MSCI and achieved the highest ESG score among Philippine industrial conglomerates from S&P Global, highlighting its progress in clean technology, labor management, and climate strategy.
This commitment to responsible business also extends to governance. All three publicly listed Aboitiz companies—AEV, AboitizPower, and UnionBank—earned Four Golden Arrows from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), marking a historic first for the Group. The recognition underscores Aboitiz’s dedication to integrity, transparency, and accountability in business.
“Good governance is the foundation of everything we do,” echoed Fernandez de Mesa. “These achievements reflect our people’s dedication to responsible growth and our belief that purpose and performance go hand in hand.”
