ABAC presentation tackles RE, wages

Aboitiz presented on important sustainability topics including decarbonization efforts with nuclear energy and the democratization of climate risk information, kickstarting insightful and productive discussions among regional business leaders in developing comprehensive work plans for sustainable growth

From 12 to 14 February, Asia-Pacific business leaders of the APEC Business Advisory Council inaugurated their year -long journey of constructive collaboration to support a rapidly advancing and connected region.

Held in Auckland, New Zealand, ABAC I was the first of four official ABAC meetings that will take place in 2023. The meetings will culminate in the commission of reports and the development of recommendations to be shared in a dialogue with APEC leaders and policymakers. This will ultimately lead to collective leadership and decisive action that will advance common goals for regional sustainability and economic inclusion.

Aboitiz Group President and chief executive officer and ABAC PH member Sabin Aboitiz holds the distinction of being the 2023 ABAC Sustainable Growth Working Group vice chairperson.

Important sustainability topics

For ABAC I, Aboitiz presented on important sustainability topics, including decarbonization efforts with nuclear energy and the democratization of climate risk information. This kickstarted insightful and productive discussions amongst regional business leaders to develop comprehensive work plans for sustainable growth.

Aboitiz Group First Vice President and Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer Ginggay Hontiveros delivered the presentations.

The presentation on nuclear energy tackled the issue of energy transformation for equity and security, looking at nuclear energy and small modular reactors as viable zero-carbon energy sources.

Nuclear energy

Beyond its decarbonization role, the ABAC Sustainable Growth Working Group recognizes nuclear energy’s viability to fuel the energy transformation of society given its high energy return on investment and its weather independence.

Aboitiz’s presentation provided insight into those opportunities and potential challenges. Research and technical development with key stakeholder groups and subject matter experts are paramount to the success of energy transformation.

The presentation on a climate risk information platform tackled the current gaps in information on climate risk scenarios between economies. ABAC recognizes the need to democratize this information. The climate threat is a shared risk and responsibility. A unified platform for free data on climate risk scenarios that helps one economy would help all.

ABAC Philippine proposal

Additionally, following the 2021 ABAC proposition to adopt and develop indicators to measure the social and economic progress achieved by APEC economies, ABAC is considering the ABAC Philippine proposal on the adoption of a living wage as an indicator. This would address structural inequalities within APEC economies.

Under the 2023 ABAC theme “Equity. Sustainability. Opportunity.,” these presentations lay the groundwork for ABAC as they plan further measures that will advance regional goals.

Representing ABAC Phl in Auckland were Liveable Cities Challenge Chairman and ABAC Phl member Guillermo Luz, Aboitiz Group Chief Reputation & Sustainability Officer Ginggay Hontiveros, and ABAC Phl Lead Staffer Patrick Anthony Chua.

ABAC plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable business practices in the region. Aboitiz’s position as Vice Chair of the Sustainable Growth Working Group highlights the Aboitiz Group’s commitment to sustainability and its leadership in the field.

As the Aboitiz Group undergoes its Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, it embraces technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset to tackle challenges facing its communities.

The regional role of Aboitiz in advocating and realizing sustainable growth through ABAC further demonstrates its commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BDO UNIBANK Model Mandaluyong citizen The City Government of Mandaluyong has recognized BDO Unibank as one of its Top 10 Taxpayers during its recent annual Liberation and Cityhood Anniversary. Celebrating the BDO milestone are Vina Co-Trinidad, Branch Manager of BDO Corporate Center Ortigas (fourth from left); and Michael Thomas Uy, Marketing Officer of BDO Corporate Center Ortigas (fifth from left) who received the award from Mayor Abalos (third from left) and Vice Mayor Carmelita Abalos (sixth from left). They are joined by Gener Sison, head of the city assessor’s department (leftmost); Corazon de Guzman, head of the city treasury department (second from left), and Catherine DL Arce, head of business permits and licensing department (rightmost).

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ABOITIZ GROUP New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins (fourth from left) graces the APEC Business Advisory Council meeting on 14 February and stressed the important role of the business community in tackling shared challenges. At the event are (from left) ABAC PH Member and lead staffer Patrick Chua; ABAC International Secretariat Director Tony Basilio; Liveable Cities Challenge chairperson and ABAC PH member Guillermo Luz; Aboitiz Group chief reputation and sustainability officer Ginggay Hontiveros; DFA Assistant Secretary Gina Jamoraline; and Harrison Profiles International Managing Director Cory Luz.