In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and evolving market dynamics, the ability to adapt and innovate is paramount for any business leader.

Sabin Aboitiz, taking the helm as president and CEO of Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) on 1 January 2020, exemplifies this quality through his bold vision of transforming the conglomerate into the Philippines’ first “techglomerate.”

His relentless pursuit of modernization across diverse sectors — ranging from energy and banking to food and infrastructure — reflects not just corporate ambition but a commitment to enhancing the lives of Filipinos and driving economic growth.

It is this ability to lead through transformation, alongside the rich history of the Aboitiz conglomerate, that sets Sabin Aboitiz apart and justifies his recognition as Daily Tribune’s Filipino of the Year.

While contenders such as Mariana Zobel de Ayala, managing director at Ayala Corp., senior vice president at Ayala Land and director at Bank of the Philippine Islands; and Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee for SM Prime Holdings, chairman of China Banking Corp. (Chinabank), and chairman of the board of National University, brought formidable credentials, Aboitiz’s edge lies in his bold initiatives.

The fulcrum of the editors’ decision in conferring the annual distinction on Aboitiz was his orchestration of the historic BlackRock-GIP partnership in December 2025, which injected P13.7 billion into Aboitiz InfraCapital. This not only accelerated infrastructure projects such as airport modernizations but also signaled unprecedented global investor confidence in Philippine innovation, setting him apart by blending legacy strength with forward-thinking technological disruption.

The deal marks a landmark strategic partnership that has been hailed as a significant coup for the conglomerate. At its core, the transaction involves Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a leading infrastructure investment platform acquired by BlackRock in January 2025 for $12.5 billion, purchasing a 40 percent stake in Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV).

Valued at approximately P13.7 billion, the investment not only injects substantial capital into AIC but also positions the Aboitiz Group as a key player in attracting high-profile foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Philippines’ burgeoning infrastructure sector.

Aboitiz joins an elite circle of visionary business leaders earning the recognition, following in the footsteps of Enrique K. Razon Jr., who was named the inaugural recipient for 2023.

Razon’s honor celebrated his transformative global expansion of International Container Terminal Services Inc., positioning the Filipino enterprise on the world stage amid post-pandemic recovery.

Building on this legacy, Teresita Sy-Coson, vice chairperson of SM Investments Corporation, was selected as the 2024 Filipino of the Year for her exemplary stewardship in driving economic resilience, innovation, and corporate social responsibility through one of the nation’s largest conglomerates.

The choice of Aboitiz places him alongside Razon and Sy-Coson as symbols of inspirational leadership that not only elevates corporate excellence but also contributes profoundly to national progress and nation-building in an increasingly digital and challenging global landscape.

The legacy of Aboitiz Equity Ventures

Founded in 1920, the Aboitiz conglomerate has a storied history in the Philippines, evolving from its roots in cargo shipping into a diversified leader across multiple industries. Over the decades, Aboitiz expanded into power, banking and financial services, food and beverage, infrastructure, real estate, renewable energy, and data science and artificial intelligence.

Milestones in the Aboitiz Group’s history include the formation of Aboitiz Power Corp. in the late 1990s, which has grown into one of the largest power generators and distributors, including Davao Light and Power Co., as well as retail electricity services, with a significant focus on renewable energy.

As a core strategic pillar for AEV, renewable energy drives its growth and sustainability agenda, aiming for a balanced portfolio with 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 as it develops solar, hydro, wind, and biomass projects and implements Battery Energy Storage Systems to support its energy transition.

The acquisition of UnionBank in 2006 further solidified the conglomerate’s position in the banking sector. Its savings bank, CitySavings, offers a wide range of banking products and services.

In food and beverage, Pilmico and Gold Coin Group serve as the integrated agribusiness and food arm, manufacturing flour, feeds, and engaging in swine production. AEV also holds a 40 percent stake in Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Inc.

In infrastructure, Aboitiz InfraCapital manages investments including water utilities, economic estates, digital infrastructure, and airport operations such as the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The group is also involved in cement production through the Republic Cement Group. Under Aboitiz Land Inc., the group develops residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

AEV’s Aboitiz Data Innovation (ADI), the group’s dedicated data science and AI arm, serves as the operational and consulting business unit implementing data science and AI solutions across the entire Aboitiz Group, including power, banking, and smart cities, driving its “Great Transformation” into a “techglomerate.”

With a $10 million donation from the Aboitiz Group, the Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ASITE) was established within the Asian Institute of Management in 2019.

Today, it is a leading facility in the region for data science and innovation, offering pioneering master’s and PhD programs in data science and AI, along with research facilities focused on the application of complex science, data science, and AI. It is also home to “Super Jojie,” one of the region’s fastest AI supercomputers used for graduate projects and research collaborations.

More recently, Batangas State University, in partnership with Aboitiz Economic Estates, launched its LIMA Campus to help bridge the nationwide job-skills mismatch through industry-based learning for engineering and technology students. The new BatStateU campus is located within the 1,000-hectare LIMA Estate, a mixed-use development owned by the Aboitiz Group.

All these strategic developments and expansions have laid a solid foundation for the group’s head, Sabin Aboitiz, and his modern vision, where leveraging technology is deemed essential for future competitiveness and resilience.

Challenges in the digital shift

Despite Aboitiz’s history of successful expansion, the path to digital transformation has not been without challenges. Early attempts to integrate technology into its operations faced setbacks and steep learning curves.

However, rather than retreating, Sabin Aboitiz and his leadership team viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.

With resilience and strategic foresight, Aboitiz is now executing plans to enhance operational efficiency through technology. For instance, the company’s efforts to implement smart grids and integrate renewable energy showcase its commitment to sustainable practices aligned with global standards.

The investment in digital banking technologies at UnionBank exemplifies Aboitiz’s approach to adapting to consumer demands in the digital age.

Vision for a 'techglomerate'

Under Sabin Aboitiz’s leadership, the ambition to transition Aboitiz Equity Ventures into a tech-driven conglomerate has gained momentum.

This vision includes embracing artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and innovative customer engagement models across its subsidiaries.

By harnessing the power of technology, Aboitiz can optimize resources, enhance decision-making, and deliver superior value to customers and stakeholders.

His emphasis on collaboration with technology startups and partnerships fosters an environment of innovation, aligning Aboitiz with emerging trends and advancements that will shape various industries.

A dynamic business leader

What makes Sabin Aboitiz a standout leader is not only his strategic vision but also his approach to leadership — one rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to corporate social responsibility.

He believes a successful business should also contribute positively to society, evident in Aboitiz’s initiatives focused on sustainability, community development, and disaster resilience.

His leadership style emphasizes empowerment, fostering a corporate culture in which employees are encouraged to share ideas and take part in the transformation journey.