WINNING | Aboitiz deepens ESG strategy to drive growth edge

Insider Spotlight

• Aboitiz is further embedding sustainability into governance, capital allocation, and operations
• The conglomerate links ESG performance to competitiveness, resilience, and long-term value creation
• Sustainability chief Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar has gained global recognition amid the group’s broader transformation
  
  
  

The Aboitiz Group is accelerating the integration of sustainability into core business decisions as it positions environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance as a driver of long-term competitiveness, investor confidence, and growth. 

The conglomerate’s sustainability strategy now extends across governance, risk management, capital allocation, and day-to-day operations.

Why it matters

The push gained fresh visibility after Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) chief reputation and sustainability officer Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar was named among The CEO Magazine’s Sustainability Leaders of 2026, placing her among 49 executives globally recognized for advancing sustainability transformation. She was also one of only two Filipinos included in the list.

The big picture

Aboitiz says sustainability is no longer treated as a standalone initiative but as a strategic business imperative integrated into decision-making processes. 

Under Hontiveros-Malvar’s leadership, the group has focused on climate resilience, responsible resource management, inclusive development, human capital, and stakeholder trust.

“Sustainability is ultimately about stewardship. Businesses grow best when we take responsibility for the impact we create—on people, communities and the environment. When that responsibility is embedded in governance and strategy, sustainability is more than an aspiration and becomes a way of doing business,” she said.

By the numbers

In 2025, AEV ranked among the top three Philippine conglomerates in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, reflecting strong performance across environmental, social, and governance metrics. 

The company said the recognition underscores the growing connection between sustainability performance, access to capital, and business resilience.

Across the portfolio

AboitizPower continues investing in renewable energy and grid reliability assets, including the 797-megawatt Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan hydroelectric complex. 

Aboitiz InfraCapital is expanding critical infrastructure and digital services, while Aboitiz Economic Estates has attracted roughly P167 billion in cumulative foreign direct investments and helped generate more than 100,000 jobs. 

Aboitiz Foods is likewise advancing sustainable agriculture and food security initiatives across Asia.

What’s next

As it pursues its “Techglomerate” transformation, Aboitiz is betting that sustainability-led growth will strengthen resilience, unlock opportunities, and create lasting value for stakeholders. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma