Over the years we have seen individuals, organizations, and companies pledging for sustainability grow in numbers and it is good to note that it continues to do so.
One of the country’s leading banks, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been championing sustainability and has made this among its major thrusts to be more sustainable in the way it conducts its business but also to inspire Filipinos to do the same in the way they live their lives. Recently, BPI spearheaded the three-day ‘Green and Beyond Sustainability Fair’ at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City.
Joining the company in this endeavor are several other partner merchants who share the same commitment to sustainability. Electric vehicles (EVs), green homes, energy-efficient appliances, and digital and financial solutions among many others were on display last June 2 to 4 at the mall’s Activity Center.
“BPI is championing sustainability not only for the corporate but the retail segment as well. In June last year, we curated a series of activities in partnership with local and global institutions to establish the Philippines’ first Sustainability Awareness Month,” says BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco.
“This June, we are reinforcing our commitment to promote sustainable living practices through this retail fair, webinars, in-person forums and workshops, and other activities throughout the month,” adds TG Limcaoco.
BPI Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Eric Luchangco, on the other hand, shared: “In our journey towards being a sustainability champion in the Philippine banking industry, we have developed a unique formula: ‘Environment, Social, Governance + Economic’ gains or ‘ESG+E2.’ This formula shows that while we actively integrate ESG principles in the way we do business, we also give equal importance to achieving economic benefits out of a sustainability initiative. A successful and profitable ESG endeavor will be able to sustain itself and will be pursued by its proponents because of the benefits it derives.”
Gracing the event was actress Bea Alonzo, its celebrity endorser for its #BPISustainableWithYou campaign intended to encourage consumers to join the sustainability movement and create lasting, positive impact for the people and planet.
Part of the bank’s sustainable innovations is utilizing digital platforms to create sustainable innovations that promote financial inclusion. The bank introduced various internet and mobile-based solutions that made BPI’s banking products and services more affordable and accessible, anywhere in the country, any time of the day.
BPI also launched the Philippines’ first Invest Sustainable Fund Suite which offers various types of high-yielding Sustainable investment options. Competitive rates were likewise offered via green Time Deposits which help finance projects that help protect the environment. The BPI-AIA’s Pamilya Protect insurance for the whole family offers easy-to-access and inexpensive insurance packages using digital channels.
The NegosyoKo Lite, on the other hand, made financing more affordable for self-employed micro-entrepreneurs (SEMEs). Throughout 2022, BPI secured back-to-back sustainability awards from a multitude of notable local and regional awarding entities. These recognitions underscored the bank’s purpose-driven and staunch commitment to promoting conscious consumerism and sustainable operations by embedding positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its core.
Mariana Zobel de Ayala, BPI’s Senior Vice President, Consumer Bank Marketing & Digital Platforms says “Beyond the exhibition of products and services, this fair serves as a platform for thought leadership on sustainability.”
The fair also served as a venue for the executives and guests to engage in discussions of initiatives, programs, and plans that emphasize the importance of sustainability in our daily lives and in shaping the future of our communities.
Indeed, it is inspiring to see major players in different industries play an important role in making this world a better place to live in.
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