Manulife launches UITF for RE, EVS

THE Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corp. (Manulife IM Philippines) recently launched the an equityfeeder unit investment trust fund (UITF) that allows investors access to the long-term growth potential of pro-sustainability companies from renewable energy (RE) and electric vehicles (EVS) to the technology and infrastructure that support them.

Manulife IM Philippines President and CEO Aira F. Gaspar told the Businessmirror the UITF, called “Manulife Global Clean Energy Equity Feeder Fund,” aims to “maximize total return.”

Gaspar said the latter can be achieved “by investing in a collective investment scheme that seeks to achieve capital growth and positive environmental and social impact.” The executive added these, in turn, could be done “via investing in companies supporting the structural change towards a sustainable, lowcarbon economy, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”

Investors may access the fund for as low as P5,000 or $100, he said.

“The fund enables investors to join the transition to a world powered by clean energy, as momentum builds toward tackling climate change,” Gaspar told the Businessmirror. “With recent global events reinforcing the importance of transitioning to clean energy, the fund provides a new opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolio and grow their wealth, while helping to achieve positive environmental impact through sustainable investing.”

According to Gaspar, Manulife IM Philippines “bolstered its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitment with the launch of its global Impact agenda, which provides a framework to channel its efforts towards tangible and measurable improvements in health, wealth, and sustainability.”

She said the rollout of the clean energy equity feeder fund is aligned with the commitment of parent firm Manulife Financial Corp. to “advance sustainable investing globally.”