Good governance drives sustainable growth in Philippine firms
THE Aboitiz Group in 2023 received recognition from the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard’s Golden Arrow Awards for adhering to corporate governance standards and practices of the country. Photo shows (from left) Suiee Suarez of AboitizPower’s Corporate Affairs Office received the 4-arrow plaque of recognition for Aboitiz Power Corporation, Atty. Sammy Santos and Atty. Mailene de la Torre of Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ Office of the Legal and Compliance Officer received the 3-arrow plaque of recognition for Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. and James Ileto of UnionBank’s Reputation Management Office got the 2-arrow plaque of recognition for the Union Bank of the Philippines.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of AEV
In an increasingly complex business environment, good corporate governance has become a cornerstone of sustainable growth, accountability and long-term value creation among Philippine companies.
Governance practices — from transparency and risk management to stakeholder engagement — are no longer viewed as compliance requirements alone but as strategic tools that strengthen institutions and support nation-building.
Among local conglomerates, Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) has been cited in industry assessments for embedding governance into its corporate strategy, particularly through data-driven decision-making and sustainability reporting.
Based on corporate disclosures and third-party evaluations, AEV has consistently ranked among the top Philippine conglomerates in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, including recognition in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
‘Golden Arrow’ citations
The company has also received multiple “Golden Arrow” citations from the Institute of Corporate Directors, reflecting adherence to regional governance standards under the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard.
Strong governance frameworks help firms anticipate risks, improve operational efficiency, and build investor confidence — key factors in sustaining growth amid global economic uncertainty.
‘Double-materiality’ framework
AEV’s approach includes adopting a “double-materiality” framework, which examines both the financial impact of sustainability issues and the company’s broader effect on society and the environment.
Beyond governance structures, sustainability initiatives are increasingly tied to business operations. The company, for instance, is working toward a balanced energy portfolio, targeting a 50:50 mix of renewable and thermal capacity by 2030.
Its infrastructure and industrial units have also implemented circular economy practices, such as repurposing byproducts from power generation for use in construction materials.
Corporate governance also extends to social responsibility and workforce development. Across its business units, AEV has supported digital inclusion, education, and livelihood programs aimed at strengthening communities and expanding economic participation.
Programs focused on upskilling, financial inclusion, and support for underserved sectors highlight how private firms can contribute to broader development goals while maintaining business competitiveness.
Stakeholders, including regulators and investors, are increasingly demanding greater accountability and measurable impact.
As Philippine companies navigate evolving economic and environmental challenges, governance is expected to remain central to corporate resilience, shaping how businesses operate, grow, and contribute to national development.