Turning old tech into hope for communities

As part of the Aboitiz Group’s identity as a techglomerate — where technology and innovation are embedded across its businesses and culture — Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), as the Group’s portfolio manager, transforms retired technology into meaningful community impact.

Like many large organizations, AEV regularly upgrades its computers and digital systems across the Group’s portfolio. In doing so, it generates more than just retired laptops and servers — it creates an opportunity to unlock value beyond business use. Instead of allowing these assets to become waste, AEV enables a Group-wide approach that channels their residual value to the Aboitiz Foundation, turning unused technology into support for students, families, and communities who need it most.

Rather than sending obsolete equipment to landfills, Aboitiz implements a structured recycling and asset recovery program across its business units. Retired technology equipment is collected and assessed to determine whether it can be refurbished, reused, or responsibly recycled. Still-serviceable devices are refurbished by partner e-waste recyclers and resold in secondary markets, while non-usable items are processed through proper recycling channels.

This initiative reflects the Group’s techglomerate ethos of using technology not only to drive business performance, but also as a force multiplier for sustainability and social value — turning legacy tech into new opportunities for education, inclusion, and climate resilience. It supports the circular economy by extending the life cycle of electronic equipment, minimizing waste generation, and generating proceeds that are reinvested into social development.

Proceeds from the resale and recycling of retired technology equipment are channeled toward programs under the Aboitiz Foundation, the Group’s social development arm, supporting its three strategic pillars — Future Leaders, Jobs and Climate Action.

As portfolio manager of the Aboitiz Group, AEV plays a coordinating role, enabling partnerships and systems that allow business units to participate in shared sustainability initiatives. Through this role, AEV partnered with Humble Sustainability, a circular economy company, to repurpose decommissioned laptops, printers, servers, and VOIP phones — giving these assets a second life while delivering measurable environmental and social benefits.

To date, over 1,000 IT assets have been turned over to Humble for refurbishment, resale, donation, or proper recycling. Devices that might otherwise end up in landfills are instead restored and reintroduced into productive use, with half of the proceeds directly supporting Aboitiz Foundation programs.

The initiative has since expanded across the Group, with Aboitiz Construction joining the effort to repurpose its own retired gadgets — demonstrating how AEV’s portfolio-level stewardship helps scale impact across diverse businesses.

“By extending the life of our technology assets, we reduce our environmental footprint while generating resources that directly benefit our partner communities,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, chief reputation and sustainability officer of AEV and president of Aboitiz Foundation.

Aboitiz Foundation Impact Programs

Funds generated from corporate, public and individual partners — as well as through e-waste recycling initiatives — support Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship programs.

The Aboitiz Future Leaders Program provides scholarships to deserving Filipino college students and helps shape the next generation of nation-builders.

AuroraPH supports last-mile public schools by improving access to reliable internet connectivity and clean energy through solar power.

The Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation) program empowers Filipino women by equipping them with skills for flexible, home-based digital jobs.

Meanwhile, CarbonPH aims to afforest, reforest, and revegetate 55,000 hectares across Cebu Province, while conserving biodiversity, protecting watersheds, reducing flood risks, and generating livelihood opportunities through high-quality carbon removal projects.

Aboitiz Foundation’s programs support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with e-waste recovery aligned particularly with SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production.

For Humble Sustainability, the partnership with AEV marks a key step in its mission to recirculate one billion items — transforming what others see as waste into environmental, social, and economic value.

By applying data-led, portfolio-wide, and innovative practices to what others consider waste, the Aboitiz Group — guided by AEV as portfolio manager — demonstrates how a techglomerate can turn environmental challenges into scalable solutions that uplift communities and protect the planet.