By Ignacio R. Bunye
By making sustainability a core pillar of its business strategy, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) continues to redefine banking in the Philippines. As a financial institution committed to long-term economic growth, BPI has embraced environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles through its groundbreaking ESG+E2 framework. This unique approach integrates financial performance with sustainability efforts, ensuring that responsible banking is not just an aspiration but a reality.
“Sustainability is not a parallel track — it is the foundation of how we do business,” says Eric Luchangco, BPI’s Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer.
“We are leveraging our capital, data, technical know-how, and partnerships to drive real-world solutions such as energy transition, financial inclusion and environmental risk reduction. Our goal is to create, protect and further improve long-term value — not only for our shareholders but for the communities and ecosystems we serve.”
Leading the way in sustainable banking
BPI has achieved several industry firsts, solidifying its role as a thought leader in ESG integration. Among its pioneering initiatives is a time-bound commitment to phase out coal-powered investments — a bold move that places BPI ahead of its peers in championing clean energy.
The bank has also made significant strides in building efficiency, earning the distinction of being the first Philippine bank to receive IFC-EDGE Green Building certification for its branches. This recognition underscores BPI’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint across its operations.
Innovating for a greener tomorrow
Beyond institutional reforms, BPI is helping Filipino families transition toward greener choices through exclusive, limited-time promotions. The Real 0% Special Installment Plan (S.I.P.) for solar panels allows homeowners to invest in renewable energy solutions with no upfront interest costs. This initiative, developed in partnership with Go Solar, Greenergy, JC Solar, and Philergy, makes clean energy more accessible for Filipinos.
For those exploring eco-friendly transportation, BPI’s E-Vehicle “Charge on Us” promo offers P5,000 in free charging credits to customers financing electric and hybrid vehicles through BPI Auto Loans. This incentive is designed to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
A commitment to inclusive and resilient growth
BPI’s holistic approach to sustainability also extends to financial inclusion. Through the Sustainable Development Finance (SDF) Program, the bank provides funding for renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and climate resilience initiatives, empowering businesses and communities to contribute to a greener economy.
Moreover, sustainability is embedded in BPI’s organizational structure, with employees required to undergo training and allocate at least 10 percent of their performance key result areas (KRAs) to sustainability-related goals. This ensures that the bank’s commitment to ESG is ingrained at every level, fostering a culture of responsible banking.
Transforming the industry one innovation at a time
As the first bank in Southeast Asia to issue both a Covid-19 response bond and a negative-yielding bond, BPI continues to push boundaries in sustainable finance. Its groundbreaking Energy Transition Finance Facility (ETFF) aims to repurpose coal-fired power plants into renewable energy facilities — a global first in energy transition financing.
With these pioneering initiatives, BPI is not just adapting to the future — it is shaping it. By demonstrating that sustainability and financial success can go hand in hand, the bank is inspiring other industry players to embrace responsible banking for a more inclusive and resilient economy.
As more Filipinos turn toward sustainable choices, BPI remains a steadfast partner in this transformation — proving that banking is more than just numbers, but a vehicle for positive and lasting change.
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