BDO backs green mobility through sustainability financing

January 15, 2026
7:19AM PHT

Insider Spotlight

  • BDO channels sustainability bond funds into mobility financing
  • Program supports cleaner transport transition alongside livelihoods
  • Focus on underserved Visayas and Mindanao communities
  • Green infrastructure positioned as long-term growth pillar

BDO Unibank is sharpening its focus on financing green mobility as part of its broader push toward a low carbon economy, using its Asean Sustainability Bond to support transport-linked livelihoods while laying the groundwork for cleaner infrastructure.

Through a partnership with Unistar Credit and Finance Corp., the bank has helped thousands of Filipino riders gain access to motorcycles used in delivery, logistics, and transport services—sectors critical to the country’s fast-growing digital and service-driven economy.

Why it matters

Mobility remains a key economic enabler in the Philippines, particularly in areas where public transport options are limited. By linking sustainability financing with inclusive credit, BDO is positioning green mobility not just as an environmental goal, but as a pathway to economic participation.

“For many riders, owning a motorcycle brings a unique sense of freedom, independence and mobility, while opening doors to better income and daily opportunities,” Matthew Siy Cha, CEO of Unistar Credit and Finance Corp, said in a press release.

“Being able to support these journeys is what makes our work truly meaningful, especially for riders and families across Visayas and Mindanao,” Siy Cha said.

BDO has supported 68,409 workers to acquire motorcycles used for delivery, logistics and transport services. | Contributed photo

The big picture

While motorcycles remain the most practical transport option for many Filipinos today, BDO says the longer-term objective is a cleaner and more efficient transport system. 

Financing mobility today, according to the bank, creates a bridge toward future investments in green infrastructure and low-emission transport solutions.

“We believe that access to financial services is essential for economic empowerment. Through BDO’s Asean Sustainability Bond, we are helping Filipinos gain the financial tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods,” said Charles M. Rodriguez, BDO’s executive vice president and head of Institutional Banking Group.

Zoom in

The initiative extends beyond individual borrowers. Micro and small enterprises benefit from faster, more reliable delivery and transport services, lowering operating costs and improving customer reach. 

Communities, in turn, gain better access to goods and essential services, supporting local productivity and entrepreneurship, particularly in credit-constrained regions.

What’s next

BDO frames the program as a template for how sustainability-linked financing can generate both social impact and environmental progress. 

As the bank continues to deploy its sustainability bond toward green-aligned projects, mobility financing is expected to remain a core pillar—supporting today’s workers while nudging the transport ecosystem toward a more sustainable future. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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