MPIC and ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Renew Partnership to Champion Biodiversity Conservation

Metro Manila, Philippines – 23rd August 2023 – In a significant move towards fostering biodiversity conservation and youth empowerment, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) proudly announced the renewal of their partnership during the 2023 ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes (ABH) Forum. This collaborative endeavor reflects their shared commitment to creating a sustainable future through the preservation of biodiversity.

Set against the backdrop of the 56th ASEAN Day and International Youth Day, the 2023 ABH Forum serves as a rallying point to empower the youth as catalysts for change in biodiversity conservation. By bringing together the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes, the Forum is a platform where their remarkable conservation stories converge with emerging and seasoned development communication practitioners, storytellers, content creators, journalists, and creative writers from across the region.

Collaborative Partnership in Sustainability and Biodiversity Conservation

“Our renewed partnership with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity reflects MPIC’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and biodiversity protection. We believe that our collective action can make a profound impact on the conservation of our vast natural resources,” said MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer Chaye A. Cabal-Revilla.

The ACB, in collaboration with MPIC and other esteemed partners, spearheaded the 2023 ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes Forum. In its crucial role of fostering collaboration among ASEAN Member States to conserve and responsibly oversee the region’s biodiversity resources, the ACB assumes a central position in instigating transformative initiatives.

“We are happy to work side-by-side with MPIC as one of our private sector partners in championing biodiversity conservation in the country and in the whole of ASEAN. This partnership renewal is not just a recognition of the successes of our previous collaboration, but this speaks a lot about the effectiveness of our work in integrating biodiversity across various sectors,” said ACB Executive Director Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim.

In 2022, MPIC was also a key partner for the Seventh ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP) Conference with the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes Awarding Ceremony as one of the highlights. The conference served as a dynamic platform to enhance the cohesion of AHPs within the ASEAN community. Organized every three years, the conference brought together AHP managers, AHP Programme Committee members, representatives from the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, as well as other esteemed stakeholders and partners.

Strong Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

As the Philippines’ leading infrastructure investments company, MPIC ensures that sustainability is deeply embedded in its business. One of its sustainability philosophies is to design, build, and operate with the utmost consideration for social and environmental well-being, to strengthen its ability to create long-term value for stakeholders.

Manuel V. Pangilinan, President, and CEO of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, expressed, “At MPIC, sustainability is at the heart of our business ethos. We are proud to join hands again with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity to champion biodiversity conservation. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to responsible leadership in the ASEAN region.”

The signing of the partnership renewal instrument was led by Dr. Lim and Ms. Cabal-Revilla, in the presence of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda who is also one of the recognised ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes, the highest distinction given to ASEAN citizens with outstanding contributions to biodiversity conservation in the region.

The partnership with ACB is aligned with MPIC’s efforts to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly 13: Climate Action, 14: Life below Water, 15: Life on Land, and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The collaboration also intends to bolster programs under MVP’s Gabay Advocacies for a Sustainable Philippines, particularly Gabay Kalikasan.

About MPIC

MPIC is a leading infrastructure investment company with holdings in Manila Electric Company, Maynilad Water Services, Inc., MetroPac Water Investments Corporation, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc., Light Rail Manila Corporation and mWell PH.

The Company seeks to create long-term value for all its stakeholders through responsible and sustainable investments that contribute to national progress and improve the quality of life in the communities it serves.

MPIC and its group of companies are making a difference in the lives of millions of Filipinos, powering commerce and households, connecting people and places, delivering clean and safe water, and making world-class healthcare available to all.

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For further information, please contact:

Melody del Rosario

VP – Public Relations and Corporate Communications, MPIC

09189635639