WINNING | PLDT ESG score tops global telecom benchmarks

Insider Spotlight

• PLDT is strengthening its ESG standing, with its overall score outperforming global telecommunications, mobile telecommunications, and Philippine averages
• Its continued FTSE4Good inclusion underscores sustained progress in embedding sustainability across its operations and long-term business strategy
• Year-on-year gains reflect stronger environmental and social supply-chain management, alongside solid performance in labor standards, human rights, and community engagement
  
  
  
  

PLDT Inc. is strengthening its position with sustainability-focused investors after its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance outpaced several major benchmarks, adding another proof point that ESG is becoming more deeply embedded in the Philippine telco’s operations.

Driving the news

PLDT maintained its inclusion in the latest FTSE4Good Index Series, an international benchmark developed by FTSE Russell for companies demonstrating strong ESG practices. The index is used by market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

Melissa V. Vergel de Dios

 PLDT chief sustainability officer

Why it matters

According to the FTSE4Good report cited by PLDT, the company achieved an overall ESG score higher than the averages for the global telecommunications industry, mobile telecommunications sector and the Philippines.

That comparative performance gives investors a wider lens on PLDT’s sustainability program beyond its continued presence in the index.

Zoom in

PLDT also recorded year-on-year improvements, supported by programs covering environmental and social supply-chain management. It reported strong performance in labor standards and human rights as well as community engagement.

The company is extending those efforts across its supplier ecosystem through its Supplier Code of Conduct, regular ESG assessments and sustainability forums, aiming to align business partners with its responsible-business commitments.

What they’re saying

“PLDT’s inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series reflects the organization’s collective efforts to embed sustainability in the way we do business, strengthening organizational and workforce resilience while creating long-term value for our stakeholders,” PLDT chief sustainability officer Melissa V. Vergel de Dios said in a press statement.

The big picture

FTSE Russell evaluates companies across areas including corporate governance, health and safety, anti-corruption and climate change. Companies must meet a range of environmental, social and governance criteria to qualify for the FTSE4Good Index Series.

For PLDT, the latest assessment puts the spotlight not simply on retaining an index berth but on how its ESG performance compares with peers and broader national benchmarks.

Bottom line

As investors increasingly scrutinize how companies translate sustainability commitments into operational practices, PLDT’s above-average ESG score and year-on-year gains give the telco measurable evidence of progress across its business and supply chain. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma