PLDT Inc. retained its spot in the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026, marking its second consecutive year in the global ranking.

At the same time, the telecommunications firm is also the highest-scoring Philippine company in the latest assessment.

The recognition follows PLDT’s improved performance in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), where its score rose five points to 77. The result placed the company within the top 15 percent of telecommunications firms globally and within range of the industry’s highest-rated companies.

Companies with the highest ESG performance

The Sustainability Yearbook is an annual publication highlighting companies worldwide with the strongest environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

Firms are evaluated through the CSA, one of the most comprehensive corporate sustainability benchmarks globally, which assesses how businesses manage risks and opportunities tied to environmental impact, labor practices, governance, supply chains and long-term strategy.

In the latest cycle, more than 9,000 companies across 59 industries were assessed, with only a small portion qualifying for the Yearbook.

Three major pillars

Companies are scored across three major pillars: environmental, social and governance performance. These include metrics such as climate strategy, energy and water management, biodiversity protection, human capital development, labor practices, cybersecurity, business ethics, transparency and supply-chain resilience. Firms are also assessed on how sustainability is integrated into corporate strategy, risk management and financial decision-making.

PLDT chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said the recognition reflects the group’s effort to embed sustainability into its core business operations.

“PLDT’s recognition as among the world’s best companies in sustainability affirms our belief that business success must be grounded in integrity and responsible conduct,” Pangilinan said. “This distinction supports our continuing commitment to operate under a balanced scorecard of financial returns and sustainable business practices, ensuring the creation of long-term growth and positive impact on society and the environment.”

Global sustainability benchmarks

PLDT chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios added that global sustainability benchmarks such as the CSA push companies to improve transparency and accountability.

“PLDT’s back-to-back inclusion in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook reflects our continued focus on embedding sustainability in the way we do business and aligning with global best practices,” she said.

“As regulations and industry practices continue to evolve, sustainability remains essential to creating value, managing long-term risks, and building trust among stakeholders.”

PLDT’s sustainability agenda

PLDT said its sustainability agenda continues to expand across its network operations, digital services and community programs — key areas assessed under the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.

On the environmental front, the group has been investing in energy-efficient network infrastructure, including modernizing cell sites and data centers to reduce electricity consumption.

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications have also been transitioning parts of their network facilities to renewable energy sources and deploying smart power-management systems that cut carbon emissions across thousands of base stations nationwide.

Stepped up digital inclusion programs

The company has likewise stepped up programs aimed at digital inclusion, expanding connectivity in remote communities through initiatives such as School-in-a-Bag, Smart Connected Communities, and Tech4ED centers, which provide internet access, digital learning tools, and livelihood training. These projects are designed to narrow the country’s digital divide while enabling students, small businesses, and local governments to participate more fully in the digital economy.

Cygersecurity and data privacy systems tightened

In terms of governance and data responsibility — another major pillar of the CSA — PLDT has strengthened its cybersecurity systems, data privacy safeguards, and enterprise risk-management frameworks as cyber threats and digital transactions continue to grow.

The group has also continued disaster-response and resilience initiatives, including rapid network restoration during typhoons and calamities, as well as support for communities through connectivity assistance and relief operations.