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Expect more epidemics, warns health ministry

Government health officials and scientists have warned that the country should prepare for increases in emerging epidemics driven by shifting environmental patterns, climate change, alongside a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as the population ages.

This warning was sounded in Kampala on Monday, during the first day of the ongoing 20th Joint Annual Scientific Health (JASH) Conference and the 2nd National Annual Conference on Non-Communicable Diseases (NACNCD).

Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, in her remarks, highlighted that environmental shifts and natural survival instincts among disease-causing organisms are fueling the emergence of epidemics.

‘Because of climate change and because of survival for the fittest principle, the organisms and everything else will try to survive. And we are going to see more and more organisms emerging, and we are going to witness more epidemics and more infectious diseases. That is the reality,’ she said.

Dr Atwine emphasised that Uganda remains geographically situated in a zone highly favourable to infectious diseases and that climate change will worsen the trends. She also highlighted how they will protect the population from emerging epidemics, which she said may not be stopped.

‘So, our approach, may not be completely to stop these diseases from emerging, but to understand how best we can address, prevent, manage and control the diseases so that we don’t lose lives and we don’t have higher morbidity in our community,’ she said.

Furthermore, Dr Atwine pointed to a secondary demographic shift as a major risk factor.

‘The second reality is that in Uganda, we are moving towards having a more aged population, and the aged population is associated with more non-communicable diseases,’ she added.

Echoing similar concerns, Minister of Health Dr Chris Baryomunsi noted that the country’s unique geolocation leaves it exceptionally vulnerable, rendering accurate epidemiological forecasting difficult.

‘Given our geolocation, we are still prone to these epidemics, making it extremely difficult to accurately predict the epidemiological destiny of our country. This challenges all of us, that we should invest in research, and we should be able to share lessons,’ he said.

‘We are happy that we have researchers and academicians from various universities and the discussions we are going to have in the next few days will be very crucial in inform policymakers in order to translate research findings into policy and meaningful interventions that will improve the quality of lives of Ugandans,’ Dr Baryomunsi added.

During the conference, the minister also launched near-point-of-care TB testing devices to improve access to quality diagnostic services for TB. The ministry said this will bolster TB disease prevention and help in the reduction of close to 10,000 annual TB deaths.

Prof Moses Joloba of Makerere University said the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that ‘everybody should be tested with molecular recommended diagnostic’, yet access to this remains a big challenge to Ugandans.

‘In Uganda, only 24 percent of facilities can access a molecular diagnostic, leaving the 76 percent relying on a microscopy, a technology which is 140 years old, or send a sample referral. These near-point-of care (devices) will ensure services come closer to people,’ he said.

‘It costs around $300 (Shs1.2 million), and each test is about $3.6 (Shs15,000) and it’s coming down to about $1 (Shs4200). This will improve access and reduce TB mortality. Uganda is an early adopter of this near-point-of-care, thanks to Global Fund and the Government of Uganda,’ he added.

According to the WHO, ‘near-point-of-care nucleic acid amplification tests (NPOC-NAATs) are swab-based molecular tests for TB detection that can produce results from a primary sputum or tongue swab sample in less than one hour.’

The device can be battery operated and do not require specialised infrastructure for use or storage, according to the WHO.

At the same conference, which is running from October 28 to 30, Minister Baryomunsi also launched the Uganda National Oral Health Strategy.

‘This strategy elaborates clearly, the dos and don’ts regarding maintaining oral hygiene. Sometimes, people neglect oral hygiene. The mouth and the content in the mouth cavity are extremely important – the tongue, the teeth, the gum. If not cared for, they can be an area which can be hit with serious diseases. Things like smoking and alcohol affect oral health,’ he said.

‘The need to brush and clean your mouth every morning and evening, all this we have put a strategy to ensure we reach every Ugandan wherever he or she is even at the lowest level for them to understand the importance of keeping oral hygiene and oral health, in order to avoid illnesses,’ the minister added.

Information from the Ministry indicates that fewer than 4 percent of Ugandans access essential oral health services. This strategy seeks to boost access to care and prevention interventions, according to the Ministry.

Martin battles Picasso for WBC Silver belt in Riyadh

Undefeated Filipino Carl Jammes Martin stakes his 28-0 record against Mexican David Picasso in a World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver featherweight title fight on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 27-year-old Martin, who has 21 knockouts, faces a tough bout against the 26-year-old Picasso (33-1-1, 18 KOs) in the Mexico vs. The World card headlined by Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli at Kingdom Arena.

‘I think this fight is going to be a difficult fight, but this is the kind of fight that Carl Martin is trained for, prepared for, and worked for in his entire life,’ MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons told the BusinessMirror on Friday.

Picasso’s lone defeat came against Japanese star Naoya Inoue, who won by unanimous decision in December last year. He bounced back with a second-round knockout of Colombian Maicol Rincon last August.

Martin welcomed the challenge despite the odds.

‘There is pressure but there is also an opportunity. This is what I have been waiting for. I have worked hard and waited a long time for this moment. I decided to take the fight regardless of the circumstances,’ Martin said.

4th MBZ Cup brings NAC partners together at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club

Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) held the 4th MBZ Cup Golf Tournament on October 23, 2026, at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City. The tournament honors the legacy of its founder Manuel B. Zamora Jr.

Martin Antonio G. Zamora, NAC President and Chief Executive Officer, led the ceremonial tee-off, officially opening the tournament.

Participants competed on the 18-hole golf course, with Maddie Ibuna emerging as the Overall Champion. Ace Barbers, Ryan Jornada, and Martin Despi topped Classes A, B, and C, respectively, in the Men’s Division, while Carla Pena and Kimberly Mondejar won Classes A and B, respectively, in the Women’s Division.

Atty. Ryan Rene C. Jornada, NAC Vice President for External Affairs, Regulatory, and Community Relations, said the tourney’s purpose is to gather partners and stakeholders for a day of camaraderie beyond the boardroom.

‘Now in its fourth edition, the MBZ Cup carries the name of our founder, Manuel B. Zamora Jr. His vision and leadership helped build the foundation of the company we are today. This tournament is one way we honor his legacy and the importance he placed on building lasting relationships,’ Jornada said.

He likened building a successful company to playing golf, noting that both require sound judgment, patience, strategy, and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.

The company’s founder was also recognized at the recently held Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards in Malaysia, where the elder Zamora received the Industry Pioneer Award for his foundational leadership and pioneering contributions to natural resource development, mineral processing, and progressive rehabilitation in Southeast Asia.

Rep. Ysabel Maria ‘Bel’ Zamora-Jornada of San Juan City also attended the gathering, sharing what the tournament means to her personally.

‘To many in this room, MBZ is the visionary founder who helped build Nickel Asia into an industry leader in natural resources development. But to our family, Tito Manny has always been a constant reminder of what it means to lead with foresight, resilience, and genuine respect for people,’ she said.

The congresswoman compared golf to public service, emphasizing the importance of discipline, patience, and long-term partnerships.

‘In business, as in public service, no one succeeds in isolation. Real impact and sustainable development are built on the back of genuine partnerships; the kind of enduring relationships represented by everyone gathered in this room today,’ she said.

The MBZ Cup is a celebration of sportsmanship, and it provided an opportunity to strengthen the connections and reaffirm the value of collaboration between NAC officers and stakeholders.

Asian developers shift from size to focus as capital recycling becomes standard portfolio management

MAKATI CITY – Major property developers across Asia continue to recycle capital by selling or monetizing mature assets to finance new investments and expand recurring-income businesses, reflecting a shift in how the industry measures success: less by the size of the asset base, more by the quality of returns it generates.

The strategy has become an established component of the business models of regional property groups such as Hongkong Land, CapitaLand Investment and Keppel, which have set monetization targets or linked asset sales to growth investments, debt reduction and shareholder returns.

Capital recycling allows developers to recover funds tied up in completed properties rather than retaining every asset indefinitely. Depending on the transaction structure, companies may also continue earning management fees or maintain exposure to properties sold to investment funds or real estate investment trusts (REITs), allowing them to unlock capital without necessarily relinquishing every connection to the assets.

According to Jardine Matheson, an investment company, Hongkong Land provides one of the region’s clearest examples of a structured capital-recycling program. In October 2024, it announced plans to recycle up to US$10 billion in assets over 10 years, including a nearer-term target of at least US$4 billion by the end of 2027. By the end of February 2026, it had recycled US$3.6 billion, equivalent to 90% of that target.

The company intends to reinvest at least 80% of net proceeds in new growth opportunities, with up to 20% allocated to share buybacks. Its strategy also includes exiting its build-to-sell residential business, making its portfolio repositioning more extensive than asset monetization alone. Hong Kong Land’s chairman has described the changes as part of transforming the company into a more disciplined, capital-efficient and growth-oriented business. The company reported a total shareholder return of more than 60% for 2025, and its shares have roughly doubled since the strategy was announced [verify].

A report by EdgeProp indicates that Singapore-based CapitaLand Investment has likewise been monetizing assets while organizing its portfolio around investment management and recurring fee income. It recorded S$3.1 billion in divestments in 2025 and about S$5 billion in gross divestments in the first half of 2026, with additional non-core assets identified for potential future monetization.

Keppel, meanwhile, reported approximately S$14.5 billion in announced monetization from October 2020 through the end of 2025. It reported a return on equity of 18.7% in 2025, up from 14.9% a year earlier, and a total shareholder return of 58.5% for the year.

Based on the reports of Umbrex, a consulting platform, Japan’s Mitsui Fudosan offers another example of how capital recycling can operate alongside property development. The company develops or stabilizes assets before selling selected properties to investors, private funds or listed REITs, then redeploys the capital into new developments. The approach demonstrates that monetization can be integrated into a continuing development business rather than treated as an exit from property ownership.

What these companies have in common is a change in the measure of success. Rather than pointing to the growth of their asset bases, they cite returns on the capital employed: return on equity, the share of earnings from recurring income, and how efficiently each asset contributes to the whole. The objective is to hold the assets that earn the best returns, release capital from those that no longer fit, and put the proceeds to work where they can earn more.

For listed property companies, monetization can also reduce reliance on fresh borrowing or new equity to fund investment programs. The trade-off is that developers must weigh the capital released against the future rental income, potential appreciation and strategic value of the assets sold.

Regional peers have made this shift and have seen success. In the Philippines, where listed REITs and property-for-share structures are already part of developers’ toolkits, the same portfolio logic is available as a standard part of how property companies manage and allocate capital.

Ultimately, capital recycling is a portfolio-management tool rather than an end in itself. Its value rests on whether developers can convert capital tied up in existing assets into productive new investments, strengthen their financial flexibility and sustain the income streams that support their businesses over time.

MercyReach Africa Empowers 10 Cross River Students with Scholarships

MercyReach Africa has awarded scholarships to 10 indigent students of Government Secondary School, Ediba, in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, to ease the financial burden of education on disadvantaged families and help keep their children in school.

The scholarship initiative, supported by SMET Consult, a financial services and advisory company, alongside other corporate and individual partners, covers the educational expenses of the selected students for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Founder and Executive Director of MercyReach Africa, Mrs Mercy Njoku, said the beneficiaries were selected based on their financial circumstances and academic performance.

Njoku explained that the organisation was committed to providing practical assistance to children whose education might otherwise be disrupted by financial hardship.

She said her passion for humanitarian service was inspired by her personal experience as an indigent student who depended on support to continue her education.

According to her, MercyReach Africa has continued to expand its humanitarian interventions beyond scholarships. She disclosed that the organisation fed about 100 street children in Calabar, popularly and derogatorily referred to as ‘skolombo’, in the previous year.

She added that the organisation planned to broaden its programmes through support initiatives, webinars and skills-acquisition programmes to equip young people with opportunities for personal growth and economic development.

Njoku acknowledged the contributions of SMET Consult and other partners, noting that collaboration with socially responsible organisations and individuals was essential to extending the reach of the foundation’s interventions.

She called on individuals, businesses and other organisations to support initiatives that improve opportunities for disadvantaged children, stressing that collective action remained crucial to addressing the social challenges confronting young people.

The Principal of Government Secondary School, Ediba, Mr Ofem Obono-Obana, commended MercyReach Africa and its partners for the intervention, describing the scholarship as a significant relief for the beneficiaries and their families.

He said the assistance would enable the students to concentrate on their studies without the uncertainty associated with outstanding school expenses. He also urged other organisations and well-meaning individuals to support similar educational initiatives.

Under the scholarship programme, four students in JSS 3 received ?39,000 each, while four students in SS 2 received ?45,000 each. The remaining two students in SS 3 received ?95,000 each, with the payments covering their educational obligations for the academic session.

Obono-Obana added that the beneficiaries also received school bags, exercise books and other writing materials to support their learning.

A parent, Mrs Bright Moses, described the scholarship as a major relief to her family, explaining that concerns over school fees had placed considerable financial pressure on the household before she learnt that her child had been selected.

She expressed gratitude to MercyReach Africa and its partners, saying the intervention would help the beneficiary continue schooling with greater financial stability.

The scholarship programme underscores MercyReach Africa’s commitment to expanding access to education and providing practical support to children and families facing financial hardship.

DoubleDragon’s 2026 9-month core revenue reaches to ?20.78B

For the first time in its corporate history – DoubleDragon Corporation’s core revenue in the first 9 months of 2026 reaches ?20.78 Billion pesos.This Total Revenues comprised of pure 100% core revenues (with zero revaluation gains).

For the first time DD’s Foreign Currency revenues contributed majority or 59.03% of its quarterly total Core Revenues as the global expansion of its novel and unique Hotel101 prop-tech business model began to gain significant momentum in various countries.

DD’s subsidiary Hotel101 Global made a significant leap forward after it has opened its fully sold out perfected global prototype in Madrid Spain with 680 operating rooms

Hotel101 Global’s business model generates revenues and income twice, firstly from sale of units, and secondly generates recurring revenues from hotel operations

DoubleDragon Corporation is expected to become one of the major US Dollar currency inflow generator to the Philippine economy

DD’s core revenues both in the Philippines and Overseas continue to jump up after many years that the DD team have passionately planted and

diligently nurtured the right hard assets in the right places, and by carefully innovating the nuts and bolts of its business lines in the past several years, and the durable trees now positioned in the Philippines and abroad are now starting to produce recurring valuable fruits

DoubleDragon’s Core Net Income for the first nine months of 2026 increased by 253.59% year-on-year to ?3.91 Billion

Notably, DoubleDragon continues to demonstrate a significant acceleration in its core operating performance, with the Company’s third-quarter results reflecting a substantial increase in revenues and earnings. This marks a significant milestone in the Company’s continuing transition towards recurring and core operating revenues in the Philippine operations and globally

As of September 30, 2026, DoubleDragon’s Total Assets reached ?256.82 Billion, increasing by ?31.56 Billion from ?225.26 Billion as of December 31, 2025

Total Equity reached ?107.02 Billion as of September 30, 2026, increasing by ?5.41 Billion from year-end 2025

Worth noting too that DoubleDragon is one of the – if not the only listed investment holding company with business in the property sector that do not have any ongoing residential condominium project under development in its portfolio. DD also do not have any exposure to the large BPO locators

DoubleDragon’s Consolidated Revenues for the first nine months of 2026 reaches ?20.78 Billion, about double or 98.76% higher than the same period last year

DoubleDragon’s Core Revenues for the first 9 months of 2026 reaches ?20.78 Billion, increasing by 143.65% versus the same period last year

DoubleDragon’s Net Income for the third quarter of 2026 reaches ?1.13 Billion, increasing more than 6 folds from ?183.67 Million in the same period last year

This strategy aligns with Hotel101 Global’s disciplined, asset-light, prop-tech hospitality model and supports the Company’s ultimate vision of developing one million standardized rooms across more than 100 countries, with the goal of becoming the world’s largest single-brand hotel chain

DD has generated significant increase in its core revenues and core income, and DD expects an even higher jump in its core revenues by the second half of this year 2026, driven by the continued generation of core revenues from its leasing portfolios, new mall openings, new warehouses, new office tenants, new MerryMart supermarkets and mainly from the expected new unit sales from Hotel101 projects in the Philippines and from several countries overseas

DoubleDragon Group continues to tap various capital initiatives to further strengthen its balance sheet and boost its overall progress towards its 2035 Vision

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To date, DoubleDragon is the first and only Filipino company that has a subsidiary listed

on the U.S. NASDAQ Stock Exchange, enabling DoubleDragon to gain access to the deep capital markets in the United States for its pipeline of equity and capital raises

DoubleDragon believes that gone are the days when Philippine companies bring in foreign brands and concepts to the Philippines or copying what works abroad to the Philippine market, but rather developing a truly unique and differentiated branded business models in the Philippines and then export it to the rest of the world would have a far larger and lasting positive impact to the Philippine economy

The DoubleDragon team is committed to put in the necessary hard work, entrepreneurial grit and perseverance towards this vision and eventually aims to make Hotel101 a truly global brand operating in various jurisdictions worldwide, and eventually bring a pinch of pride and honor to our fellow Filipino countrymen.

Given this trajectory, DoubleDragon Corporation is expected to achieve its ?500 Billion Total Core Revenue goal ahead of time before its 2035 target

Road Warriors, Tropang 5G gun for quarterfinal series sweeps

NLEX and TNT Tropang 5G look to sweep their quarterfinal assignments in the Season 50 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Robert Bolick and the Road Warriors go for the clincher against Phoenix Super LPG at 5:15 p.m. after taking a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five series with a 124-117 Game Two victory last Wednesday.

Bolick, who scored 31 points, said NLEX must close out the series immediately and avoid giving Phoenix a chance to recover.

‘We must go for the kill while they are still down,’ Bolick said. ‘Why give them a chance to come back? We are already here in this situation. Hopefully, we execute our game plan very well.’

Deschon Winston also scored 31 points in Game Two, while import Deonte Burton added 24 points and 10 rebounds. NLEX won Game One, 97-92.

Road Warriors coach Jimmy Alapag stressed that a lot of work is needed to secure a semifinal meeting with the winner of the Converge-Rain or Shine series.

‘The series is a race to three in a best-of-five, and it is not done yet. So, we must have the same mindset and see how we can be better,’ Alapag said.

Phoenix coach Charles Tiu remained optimistic despite falling behind 0-2.

‘We had a bit better game although we just came short,’ he said.

Defending champion TNT also seeks a sweep against Magnolia in their 7:30 p.m. Game Three after posting back-to-back victories, 90-72 and 91-73.

Three-time Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led TNT with 39 points and 15 rebounds in Game Two as the Tropang 5G continued to dominate the Hotshots.

Magnolia, however, remains determined to extend the series despite facing elimination.

‘It is not over yet but let us see what we can do,’ veteran forward Ian Sangalang said.

Sangalang, playmaker Jerom Lastimosa, import KJ Buffen and Zav Lucero will lead the Hotshots’ bid to stay alive.

PHL trade gap climbs to widest level since July

THE country posted a $5.15-billion trade deficit in September, the widest since July, as imports continued to grow faster than exports despite record-high sales in both directions, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday.

The PSA’s International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS) showed the deficit-representing the difference between the value of goods exported and imported-increased by 10.3 percent from the same month last year.

Total imports reached $15.03 billion, up 25.7 percent from $11.95 billion in September 2025. Exports, meanwhile, grew by 35.6 percent to $9.87 billion from $7.28 billion a year earlier.

Despite the faster annual growth in exports, the value of imported goods remained substantially higher.

Both export and import values reached their highest levels since the PSA began its series in 1991.

The increase in exports was led by electronic products, which posted the largest annual gain among commodity groups at $2.89 billion. Electronic equipment and parts followed with an increase of $64.41 million, while gold rose by $59.52 million.

On the import side, electronic products likewise recorded the largest annual increase, rising by $2.7 billion. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials followed with a $687.02-million increase, while imports of cereals and cereal preparations grew by $98.36 million.

The combined value of the country’s exports and imports reached $24.9 billion in September, 29.5 percent higher than the $19.24 billion recorded a year earlier. This was also the highest total external trade value in the PSA’s series.

The United States remained the Philippines’s largest export market, accounting for $2.63 billion, or 26.6 percent of total export sales.

Hong Kong was the second-largest destination with $1.55 billion, followed by China with $1.12 billion, Vietnam with $785.15 million and Japan with $619.17 million.

South Korea, meanwhile, was the country’s biggest source of imports, supplying $3.92 billion worth of goods, equivalent to 26.1 percent of total imports.

China ranked second with $3.36 billion, followed by Indonesia with $994.43 million, Japan with $952.13 million and the United States with $744.66 million.

The IMTS serves as a key input in compiling the country’s balance of payments, formulating economic policies, and supporting research and investment analysis, according to the statistics agency.

Centre for Change condemns attack on Sowore in Ekiti

The Centre for Change, led by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, has condemned the alleged attack on the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Sowore was reportedly attacked by by suspected political thugs shortly after conducting an interview at Midas FM 90.5.

In a statement dated October 30, 2026, the organisation described the incident as an indication of intolerance towards dissenting voices.

It said the incident was not merely an attack on an opposition political candidate but also an assault on democratic freedoms, political participation and the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

The Centre expressed concern that the alleged violence occurred at a time when political activities were intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It warned against a situation where cult groups, hired thugs and firearms replace democratic engagement, citizens’ freedom to organise and political debate.

‘Our democracy was bought with blood. We therefore cannot continue to spill the blood of our citizens for its sustainability,’ the statement said.

The organisation called for an immediate investigation into the allegations and demanded that anyone found culpable be brought to justice.

Making sustainability matter every day

Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment. It is also about creating jobs, providing reliable services, using resources responsibly, and making decisions that benefit people and communities.

For the Aboitiz Group, these efforts begin with good governance. By putting transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership at the heart of its businesses, Aboitiz Group aims to make sustainability part of everyday decisions, not just a long-term commitment.

This was recently recognized by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) at the 2026 Golden Arrow Awards, where the active portfolio manager of the Group, Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and and its bank and financial services arm, UnionBank each received four Golden Arrows, while its power arm, AboitizPower earned three. The awards reflect the Group’s continued adherence to corporate governance standards.

As the world marks World Sustainability Day, Aboitiz highlights how these principles translate into practical benefits for people, from employment and essential services to education and environmental protection.

Through the integrated real estate arm of AEV, developments such as LIMA Estate in Batangas and West Cebu Estate in Cebu are home to businesses that collectively support around 100,000 jobs nationwide. These jobs help workers provide for their families while supporting local economies.

The estates also promote better use of resources. At LIMA Estate, its Sustainability Hub supports water reuse, composting, materials recovery, and renewable energy. In Cebu, Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Estate Water business operates a solar-powered deep well facility, while its Apo Agua bulk water facility in Davao City uses hydropower to support operations that supply treated water for distribution to more than one million residents.

Reliable electricity is another everyday need. AboitizPower continues to invest in renewable energy, adding 846 megawatts (MW) of new capacity over the past four years through Aboitiz Renewables. Its projects include the Calatrava Solar Power Plant in Negros Occidental. These efforts recently earned Aboitiz Renewables the Independent Power Producer of the Year award at the Enlit Asia Power and Energy Awards 2026.

The Group also helps connect people and businesses through its airports. Mactan-Cebu, Bohol-Panglao, and Laguindingan airports served 16.12 million passengers in 2025, supporting tourism, trade, and local businesses.

Alongside these services, Aboitiz is finding ways to reduce waste and give used materials another purpose through circularity.

Through Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines’ Tapon to Ipon program, used plastic bottles are collected for recycling. PETValue Philippines processes suitable bottles into materials for new beverage bottles, while Republic Cement recovers remaining materials, such as caps and labels, for use as alternative fuel in cement manufacturing.

This shows how businesses can work together to reduce waste and make better use of resources rather than simply throwing them away.

‘For us, sustainability is about taking responsibility and being accountable for how we do business and the impact we have on people, communities, and the environment. It means making thoughtful decisions, using resources responsibly, and ensuring that our growth creates lasting value,’ said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, AEV Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer.

‘When responsibility and accountability guide our everyday decisions and operations, sustainability becomes part of how we do business, not just a commitment we make,’ she added.

Beyond its businesses, the Aboitiz Foundation works with partners to help more Filipinos access education, jobs, and livelihood opportunities.

Through AuroraPH, the Foundation aims to bring solar power, internet connectivity, and digital learning tools to 300 last-mile schools, with work underway in more than 100 schools.

Through Elevate AIDA, the Foundation partners with Connected Women and local government units (LGUs) to help Filipino women gain digital skills and explore online work opportunities. Its AIDA Plus program, together with TESDA, LGUs, and other partners, extends digital skills training to more Filipinos.

The Foundation’s Future Leaders Scholarship Program has also supported more than 1,200 scholars since 2000, helping young Filipinos continue their education and prepare for future opportunities.

Environmental protection is another part of the Foundation’s work. Through CarbonPH, it partners with government agencies, communities, and private organizations to restore forests and protect watersheds. The 40-year initiative aims to restore approximately 71,000 hectares of forest landscapes and grow 10 million trees while supporting local livelihoods.

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For Aboitiz, sustainability remains a work in progress. Challenges such as climate change, waste, and growing demand for essential services require continued investment, better solutions, and cooperation.

This World Sustainability Day, the Group reinforces a simple message: good governance and sustainability go hand in hand. Both matter most when they lead to responsible decisions and real benefits for people and communities.