The Lopez-led conglomerate’s efforts recently drew attention after Agnes C. de Jesus, FPH chief sustainability officer, received the Pearl of Legacy Award for Environmental Governance from the Society of Sustainability Practitioners Inc. (Sustainability PH) during the organization’s fifth anniversary celebration last April 29 in Iloilo City.
The recognition highlights FPH’s long-standing push for environmental stewardship, anchored on clean energy investments and stronger sustainability governance amid increasingly complex climate and social challenges.
Why it matters
The recognition comes as Philippine corporations increasingly integrate sustainability into long-term business strategies amid climate risks, tighter regulations, and growing investor focus on environmental performance.
According to Sustainability PH, de Jesus’ career “reflects resilience through industry transitions and systemic environmental reforms.” The organization also cited her contribution to strengthening environmental governance frameworks and demonstrating how businesses can support national goals through “deep commitment to environmental science and social responsibility.”
The bigger picture
FPH has long positioned climate action as part of its corporate strategy. Ten years ago, the conglomerate declared it would no longer build, develop, or invest in coal-fired power plants, citing coal’s significant contribution to carbon dioxide emissions and climate change.
That stance shaped the direction of its energy arm, First Gen Corp., which prioritizes clean and renewable energy in its operations. Today, First Gen has about 1,700 megawatts of renewable energy capacity from geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar facilities.
The company’s sustainability agenda also aligns with broader efforts among Philippine conglomerates to transition toward lower-carbon business models while balancing energy security and economic growth.
What she said
In accepting the award, de Jesus urged sustainability practitioners and advocates “to continue to be the conscience of their localities and help move our country forward.”
She also reminded industry leaders that “as environmental and social issues become more complex, more connected and more consequential, sustainability’s integrative role will be more important than ever.”
De Jesus has served as FPH chief sustainability officer since 2014. Before assuming the role, she was senior vice president for environment and external relations and concurrent compliance officer of Energy Development Corporation (EDC), First Gen’s renewable energy subsidiary and the country’s largest vertically integrated geothermal company.
EDC also maintains renewable energy assets in wind, hydro, and solar power generation.
Bottom line
As sustainability shifts from corporate advocacy to operational necessity, FPH is positioning environmental governance and clean energy investment as central pillars of its long-term growth strategy. —-Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
