Jollibee Group Tops Sustainability Rankings in the Philippines Again

Jollibee Group Tops Sustainability Rankings in the Philippines Again

Friday, July 10, 2026

Sustainability has become more than just a corporate buzzword. For many consumers today, it's an important factor when deciding which brands to trust and support. That growing awareness makes the latest recognition for the Jollibee Group sustainability efforts particularly noteworthy, as the company has once again been recognized as the top Philippine company for sustainability perceptions.

According to the Brand Finance Philippines 50 2026 report, Jollibee Group secured the highest ranking among Philippine companies in the Brand Finance Sustainability Perceptions Index for the second consecutive year. The recognition reflects how the public views the company's commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives while highlighting its long-term investments in responsible business practices.

Jollibee Group Leads Philippine Companies in Sustainability Perceptions

Brand Finance, one of the world's leading independent brand valuation consultancies, evaluates thousands of companies across various industries every year. Its Sustainability Perceptions Index measures how sustainability contributes to a brand's overall value by assessing consumer perception alongside environmental, social, and governance performance.

In this year's report, Jollibee Group emerged as the highest-ranked Philippine company across all three ESG pillars, reinforcing its position as one of the country's most recognized organizations when it comes to sustainability.

The distinction builds on the company's ongoing Joy for Tomorrow sustainability agenda, which focuses on creating meaningful and measurable impact for communities, employees, customers, and the environment.

Sustainability Efforts Continue to Deliver Measurable Results

Rather than treating sustainability as a one-time initiative, Jollibee Group has steadily expanded programs designed to improve operational efficiency while reducing its environmental footprint.

Among its most significant achievements is the transition of 99% of electricity consumption across its covered Philippine commissaries to renewable energy, including geothermal power. This shift has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70%, representing a major milestone in the company's climate initiatives.

The company also reached another industry first by opening the Philippines' first LEED-certified quick-service restaurant, demonstrating how sustainable design can be integrated into everyday dining experiences.

Danao Commissary Raises the Bar for Sustainable Food Manufacturing

Another key milestone came with the opening of the Danao Commissary in Cebu, which strengthens the company's manufacturing and distribution network across the Visayas and Mindanao.

The facility recently earned LEED Gold certification, recognizing its achievements in:

• Energy-efficient operations
• Water conservation initiatives
• Renewable energy integration
• Responsible construction waste management

The commissary also incorporates more than 30 sustainability initiatives previously introduced across Jollibee Group's Luzon facilities, showing how proven environmental practices are being replicated across the company's nationwide operations.

Sustainability Goes Beyond Environmental Initiatives

While environmental programs often receive the spotlight, the company's sustainability agenda also extends to several areas that directly impact people and communities.

Through its Joy for Tomorrow framework, Jollibee Group continues to strengthen initiatives involving:

• Food safety and quality
• Employee well-being
• Community development
• Ethical governance
• Environmental stewardship

These programs are designed to support long-term business resilience while creating positive social and environmental outcomes.

Commenting on the recognition, Pepot Miñana, Jollibee Group Global Chief Integration, Sustainability, and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasized that the award reflects the collective efforts of the company's people and partners.

"We are honored to receive this distinction as it recognizes the incredible sustainability efforts our employees and partners make to carry on our Joy For Tomorrow agenda. We remain steadfast in commitment in every step we take, knowing that we are borrowing the resources we use today from the future generations."

Why Consumers Are Paying More Attention to Sustainable Brands

Today's consumers increasingly expect businesses to balance growth with social responsibility. Companies that invest in renewable energy, responsible sourcing, employee welfare, and community programs are often viewed more favorably because these initiatives demonstrate a long-term commitment beyond financial performance.

For Jollibee Group, earning the country's top sustainability perception ranking for two consecutive years suggests that these efforts are resonating not only within the organization but also with customers and stakeholders.

As sustainability continues to shape purchasing decisions and corporate reputation, recognitions like the Brand Finance Sustainability Perceptions Index highlight how consistent environmental, social, and governance initiatives can strengthen both public trust and long-term business value.

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Coca-Cola Philippines Highlights EPR Solutions at ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit

Coca-Cola Philippines Highlights EPR Solutions at ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has become one of the biggest topics in sustainability as Southeast Asian countries work to improve waste management and build a more circular economy. At the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit 2026 in Cebu, Coca-Cola Philippines shared its perspective on how EPR policies can move beyond legislation and create meaningful environmental impact through effective implementation.

Held in Cebu, the regional summit gathered government officials, business leaders, development organizations, and sustainability advocates to exchange ideas on tackling environmental and economic challenges facing ASEAN. Organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the event also supported the Philippines' role as ASEAN Chair.

Coca-Cola Philippines Shares Insights on Effective EPR Implementation

As both a summit sponsor and speaker, Coca-Cola Philippines took part in the flagship session titled "Making Circularity Work: Scaling Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in ASEAN." The discussion focused on how countries can successfully translate EPR policies into practical systems that deliver measurable results.

Representing the company, Antonio "Tony" Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines, joined government representatives, ASEAN institutions, and civil society leaders to discuss the realities of implementing EPR programs across the region.

According to Del Rosario, successful EPR systems require more than policy creation. They also depend on collaboration and practical execution.

"EPR systems work best when design, enforcement, and on-the-ground realities are aligned. That requires coordination across government, industry, and waste management stakeholders."

Building a Circular Economy Requires Collaboration

During the panel discussion, Coca-Cola Philippines outlined several factors that can strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility programs across ASEAN.

These include:

1. Clear and enforceable EPR regulations
2. Strong alignment between policies and local collection and recycling infrastructure
3. Greater inclusion of informal waste workers within recycling and recovery systems
4. Incentives that encourage recycled material use and investments in recycling infrastructure

Speakers throughout the summit echoed the importance of collaboration among governments, businesses, financial institutions, waste management organizations, and local communities. They also recognized that ASEAN countries face different levels of infrastructure development, making flexible and locally relevant EPR approaches essential.

Local Sustainability Programs Support Circularity Goals

As part of the discussion, Coca-Cola Philippines highlighted several sustainability initiatives that support waste collection and recycling in the country.

One example is Tapon to Ipon, a nationwide collection initiative that now operates through more than 6,000 community drop-off points across the Philippines. The program encourages proper waste segregation while helping recover recyclable materials from communities.

The company also shared how the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines supports programs that engage informal waste workers, recognizing their valuable contribution to the country's recycling ecosystem and helping create more inclusive recovery systems.

PETValue Philippines Strengthens Local Recycling Capacity

Another example presented during the summit was PETValue Philippines, the country's first bottle-to-bottle PET recycling facility.

Established through a joint venture between Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines and Indorama Ventures, the facility demonstrates how private sector investments can strengthen domestic recycling capabilities and support the country's circular economy ambitions.

Projects like PETValue help transform used PET plastic bottles into new food-grade packaging, reducing dependence on virgin plastic while expanding local recycling infrastructure.

Sustainability Progress Depends on Consistent Action

One of the key messages that emerged from the ASEAN-EU Sustainability Summit was that effective EPR implementation requires more than regulations alone. Consistent policy enforcement, investment-friendly environments, knowledge sharing, and cooperation across countries all play important roles in building long-term sustainability.

As Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks continue to evolve throughout Southeast Asia, Coca-Cola Philippines said it remains committed to working with government agencies, industry partners, and local communities to support practical, scalable recycling solutions.

Creating a circular economy is a long-term effort, but conversations like those held in Cebu highlight how collaboration between the public and private sectors can help turn sustainability goals into measurable action that benefits both communities and the environment.

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Why Bamboo Could Be the Philippines’ Next Big Climate and Construction Solution

Why Bamboo Could Be the Philippines’ Next Big Climate and Construction Solution

Sunday, June 14, 2026

As cities across the Philippines continue to expand, the demand for sustainable building materials is becoming more urgent than ever. Developers, architects, and policymakers are under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions while meeting the country's growing infrastructure and housing needs.

Amid this challenge, one locally abundant resource is gaining renewed attention: bamboo.

Long associated with traditional homes and rural construction, bamboo is now being positioned as a potential game-changer for the country's green building future. With its rapid growth cycle, natural carbon-capturing ability, and renewable qualities, experts believe bamboo could become one of the Philippines' most strategic climate solutions, provided the industry can overcome the barriers preventing large-scale adoption.

The Untapped Potential of Bamboo in Modern Construction

Despite being recognized globally as one of the most renewable construction materials available, bamboo remains largely absent from the skylines of Metro Manila and other rapidly developing urban centers.

This absence is surprising given bamboo's environmental advantages.

Unlike traditional timber, which can take decades to mature, structural bamboo reaches harvestable maturity in just three to five years. Even more remarkable, it regenerates naturally after harvesting without requiring replanting, making it a highly sustainable resource.

Bamboo also plays a role in carbon sequestration, helping absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As industries worldwide seek ways to lower emissions, this characteristic makes bamboo particularly attractive for climate-conscious construction.

For a global construction sector responsible for approximately 37% of energy- and process-related carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2024-2025, finding lower-carbon building alternatives has become a priority.

Why Bamboo Hasn't Gone Mainstream Yet

If bamboo offers so many benefits, why hasn't it become a common building material in modern developments?

According to Base Bahay Foundation, Inc. (BASE), the issue is not the material itself but the lack of an ecosystem designed to support its widespread use.

BASE General Manager Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez explains that bamboo has often been expected to function within a construction industry built around concrete, steel, and conventional materials.

"We have been asking bamboo to perform inside a construction system that was never designed to support it," Lopez said.

Without standardized supply chains, engineering systems, training programs, and regulatory frameworks, bamboo has struggled to compete with more established construction materials.

Building Confidence Through Engineered Bamboo Technology

One of the most common concerns surrounding bamboo construction is consistency.

As a natural material, bamboo can vary depending on species, age, treatment methods, and growing conditions. These variations have historically made developers, engineers, and regulators cautious about using bamboo in structural applications.

To address these concerns, BASE has spent years developing technologies that transform bamboo into a more predictable and engineered building resource.

Among its innovations is Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT), a construction system designed to combine the benefits of bamboo with modern engineering requirements.

Beyond CBFT, the organization has also developed:

• Engineered bamboo building components
• Prefabricated bamboo construction solutions
• Standardized treatment and testing methods
• Performance validation systems

These efforts help ensure bamboo can meet the reliability and safety standards required for contemporary buildings.

Creating a Reliable Bamboo Supply Chain

For developers, sustainability alone is not enough. Building materials must also be readily available, consistent in quality, and scalable.

Recognizing this challenge, BASE has partnered with global organizations and industry stakeholders to strengthen the bamboo supply chain.

The goal is to create an ecosystem that supports:

• Sustainable harvesting
• Quality-controlled treatment facilities
• Prefabrication capabilities
• Traceability and quality assurance
• Reliable delivery for construction projects

By developing the infrastructure needed to process and distribute bamboo efficiently, the organization aims to transform bamboo from an agricultural commodity into a viable commercial building material.

Training the Next Generation of Bamboo Experts

Adopting bamboo at scale also requires skilled professionals who understand how to work with the material.

Unlike steel and concrete, bamboo behaves differently under structural loads, requiring specialized design and engineering knowledge.

To address this gap, BASE established the Bamboo Academy, a training initiative focused on educating architects, engineers, and construction professionals.

Participants learn about:

• Bamboo processing techniques
• Structural and architectural design
• Bamboo connection detailing
• Construction best practices
• Performance standards and compliance

This investment in education is helping create a talent pipeline capable of supporting future bamboo construction projects across the country.

A Growing Opportunity for Green Real Estate

The timing for bamboo's expansion into mainstream construction may be ideal.

Real estate developers are facing increasing pressure to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives while reducing embodied carbon, the emissions associated with producing, transporting, and installing building materials.

As sustainability becomes a major factor in investment decisions and development planning, bamboo presents a compelling alternative to more carbon-intensive materials.

The global bamboo industry was valued at more than USD 72 billion in 2019, demonstrating significant market potential. For the Philippines, where bamboo grows naturally and abundantly, this creates opportunities that extend beyond construction.

Beyond Buildings: Economic and Environmental Benefits

The potential impact of a thriving bamboo ecosystem goes far beyond greener buildings.

According to Lopez, bamboo can contribute to multiple national priorities simultaneously, including:

• Climate action
• Rural livelihood development
• Job creation
• Sustainable manufacturing
• Local economic growth

"We are not just promoting a material; we are engineering an ecosystem," Lopez explained.

"The opportunity extends far beyond construction. Bamboo can drive climate action, rural development, job generation, and sustainable industry."

This broader vision positions bamboo not only as a construction solution but also as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.

Is the Philippines Ready for a Bamboo Construction Revolution?

As demand for sustainable infrastructure continues to rise, bamboo is emerging as a serious contender in the future of Philippine construction.

Organizations like BASE have spent years laying the groundwork through technology development, workforce training, supply chain creation, and regulatory advocacy. The result is a growing ecosystem that addresses many of the barriers that once limited bamboo's adoption.

The challenge now lies in encouraging wider participation from developers, policymakers, investors, and builders.

With climate concerns reshaping the future of real estate and infrastructure, bamboo may finally be ready to move beyond its traditional image and become a mainstream solution for sustainable development in the Philippines.

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Restoring Nature, Empowering Community: The Rise of Women-Led Ecotourism in Southeast Asia

Restoring Nature, Empowering Community: The Rise of Women-Led Ecotourism in Southeast Asia

Monday, June 8, 2026

For a tropical archipelago known for its thousands of islands and remarkable biodiversity, the Philippines has long been a favorite destination for travelers. Ecotourism is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing travel trends, offering experiences that blend environmental conservation, cultural immersion, and community development. Backed by the country’s rich natural assets, supportive policies, and rising demand for eco-friendly travel, the Philippine ecotourism market is projected to reach USD 12.4 billion by 2034.

This growth comes as the tourism and hospitality sector continues to rely heavily on women, who make up about 52% of the Asia-Pacific tourism workforce and more than half globally. Yet many remain in lower-paying, temporary, or informal roles, contributing to a regional gender pay gap of around 14.7%. As the industry thrives, empowering women through more sustainable and inclusive tourism models has become increasingly important.

Across the Philippines, women‑led initiatives are diversifying ecotourism projects while reducing reliance on mass tourism models. From the Bantayan Women’s Association, which combines mangrove conservation with eco-guiding, to women entrepreneurs in the Cordillera Indigenous Homestays, who showcase weaving, rice-terrace farming, and indigenous storytelling, these efforts create livelihoods while preserving local heritage.

These ecotourism models are also being shared across borders with Indonesia, where communities such as Tukamasea Village in South Sulawesi have embraced women-led participation and sustainable tourism as tools for environmental restoration, stronger local governance, and long-term economic resilience.

From Floods and Crop Failure to Inclusive and Fair Financial Literacy for Tukamasea Village Governance

In 2024, repeated floods triggered by land degradation, shrinking water catchment areas, and upstream land clearing devastated Tukamasea Village in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The disaster submerged 82 hectares of farmland, damaged critical infrastructure, including farm roads and irrigation systems, and severely disrupted livelihoods in Manarang Hamlet. Faced with declining incomes and worsening environmental conditions, residents recognized that active involvement in village development planning was no longer optional, but an urgent necessity.

In response, the Village Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMDes) established the Budget Reading Group (KBA), a community forum that promotes transparency, participation, and accountability in village development. Women have become the driving force behind the initiative, holding 13 of the group's 15 seats and helping transform residents from passive observers into active contributors to decision-makers.

“Through KBA, we learned that the village budget does not belong to a few people, but to everyone, including for guarding the environment and the future of the village,” said Sirawarti Ona Lewenussa (known as Ona), member of KBA in Tukamasea Village.

Today, the KBA convenes weekly to gather community feedback, develop proposals, and elevate local priorities to sub-district development planning meetings (musrenbang), ensuring public funds address community needs while supporting long-term environmental stewardship.

PINUS Mentorship and Strengthening Village Governance

The KBA’s growth was supported by mentorship from PINUS South Sulawesi, which equipped residents with the skills to navigate the RPJMDes, understand long-term development strategies, and design ecology-based programs. The training also introduced residents to Ecological-Based District Budget Transfers (TAKE), a performance-based funding mechanism tied to environmental outcomes. As a result, the village government adopted greater transparency, publicly disclosed the Village Budget (APBDes), and adjusted spending priorities to better support women, vulnerable groups, and sustainable development.

“We do not just learn to read the budget, but also monitor and evaluate village fund programs so they truly answer the needs of the poor and protect the environment,” said Ona.

Beyond budget literacy, KBA has become a key advocate for environmental resilience, proposing initiatives such as tree planting in flood-prone areas, river dredging, and land rehabilitation around former mining sites. This advocacy has translated into tangible investments, with the village allocating 110 million IDR for tourism infrastructure in 2022, followed by 139.6 million IDR in 2023 and 138.5 million IDR in 2024, supporting tourism growth while safeguarding local ecosystems.

“This mentorship is not just about teaching technical skills, but building awareness that the village budget is a shared tool to answer social, environmental, and economic needs,” said Rizky Awalita (known as Rere), Project Officer for PINUS South Sulawesi.

Village Tourism, Youth Education, and Restorative Economic Impact

One of the clearest outcomes of KBA’s oversight is the growth of Dolli Tourism, which began with 500 million IDR in village funding and has since attracted nearly 1 billion IDR in total investment. From 2021 to 2025, the destination generated more than 1 billion IDR in gross revenue and delivered annual net returns of 60 to 65 million IDR to the village. Managed jointly by the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) and the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), the initiative channels around 60% tourism revenue back into local livelihoods and community development.

As Rere noted, “Residents are starting to see that guarding nature and managing village potential together can open jobs and increase welfare.”

The economic impact extends well beyond tourism operations. The site directly employs 17 residents and supports around 20 women-led MSMEs operating nearby. Tourism revenues have also funded scholarships for 240 underprivileged students, from elementary school to university, between 2021 and 2024. It has become a successful example of a restorative economy as the foundation of the village.

Looking ahead, KBA aims to expand eco-friendly development, create more employment opportunities, and ensure growth remains inclusive and sustainable.

“We want KBA to remain a learning space and a policy guardian, so that village development truly sides with the citizens and nature,” said Ona.

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