Laguindingan & Davao Cities benefit from AIC’s Mindanao initiatives
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable development through the execution of targeted corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives across the country, focusing on environmental stewardship, occupational empowerment, and education.
These initiatives demonstrate the company’s dedication to creating a sustainable and positive impact across its operational areas in 2024 and beyond. In Mindanao, AIC has championed transformative initiatives in Laguindingan and Davao Cities.
“At Aboitiz InfraCapital, we’re committed to investing in communities to create meaningful and lasting change. Our CSR initiatives align with our mission to support businesses while uplifting communities across the Philippines, ensuring our efforts contribute positively to society and the environment. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs, we’re building a foundation for sustainable growth that benefits all,” said Cosette V. Canilao, Aboitiz InfraCapital President and CEO.
Education and Women Empowerment
In Davao City, the High School Financial Assistance Program of AIC business unit Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. continues to support local youth education, having aided over 100 students since its inception in 2019. The program aims to expand its reach annually to empower more students in the community, creating pathways for academic success and future opportunities.
The Elevate AIDA program, in partnership with Connected Women, has successfully trained its first batch of 27 women in Davao City in data labeling, professional communication, and computer literacy for remote work opportunities. The program continues to expand with a second batch; training 20 women more women. Additionally, a pilot program in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental has concluded with 51 women graduating on February 7, 2025, demonstrating Aboitiz InfraCapital’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and digital inclusion.
At Aboitiz InfraCapital’s West Cebu Estate, a significant tree-planting initiative brought together over 300 volunteers, including teams from MEZ2 Estate and Unity Digital Infrastructure, Inc., resulting in the planting of over 2,500 seedlings in Balamban, Cebu.
This collaborative effort demonstrates the company’s commitment to biodiversity and environmental conservation. The upcoming Sustainability Hub at LIMA Estate will further advance responsible and sustainable waste management through its comprehensive programs, including the compost-to-fertilizer initiative, plastic-to-eco-bricks project, and community waste management sessions designed to promote sustainable practices.
Transforming Education Through Solar Scholars
Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, has reaffirmed its dedication to education and sustainability through the Solar Scholars program at Pangan-an Elementary School. This flagship initiative, in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation’s Aurora PH and the Department of Education’s Last Mile Schools initiative, equips remote schools with solar power systems, ensuring renewable energy access and connectivity. These efforts not only reduce operational costs but also enhance learning resources, paving the way for a brighter future for students in off-grid areas.
Economic Empowerment and Community Development
LIMA Estate in Batangas hosted a successful job fair in the fourth quarter of 2024 that connected 652 applicants with industrial locators, resulting in 47 immediate hires. This is also being implemented in MEZ2 Estate and TARI Estate to provide and expand employment opportunities for host communities there. Currently in the works is Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates’ Project PinasBilis, developed in partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority, which will enhance government service efficiency by providing essential technology infrastructure, including servers and computers, to support the Ease of Doing Business Act implementation. This collaboration aims to create a more efficient and responsive public sector.
Meanwhile, also in Davao City, Apo Agua’s Project Blue brings a community-based water systems solution to host communities in Barangay Gumalang, Wines, Tawantawan, Tambobong, and Tamugan.
Recently, in collaboration with Davao City Water District and Aboitiz Foundation, Project Blue supported water access for over 1,070 households in Barangay Tamugan through its strategic donation of 134 pipeline rolls.
Apo Agua’s previous installation of an Automated Weather Station, supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Watershed Management Council, strengthens local climate resilience and disaster preparedness while protecting essential water sources.
Environmental Initiatives Drive Sustainable Development
AIC’s environmental stewardship was highlighted through several key programs in 2024, beginning with AIC’s partnership with Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (now Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc.) to launch the innovative “Wasteless Campaign” across all legs of the Aboitiz Football Cup. With this campaign, young athletes collected thousands of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles for recycling, successfully merging sports with environmental advocacy and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
Looking Ahead
Having earned recognition as one of Asia’s Top community-centric companies by the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards, AIC remains focused on scaling these initiatives and fostering new opportunities for community development. Through strategic partnerships and targeted programs, the company continues to build sustainable, resilient communities while promoting environmental consciousness and economic growth across the Philippines. This prestigious ACES award not only validates AIC’s community-centric approach but also reinforces its commitment to advancing sustainability causes across the region.
