Manila, Philippines — A new milestone in the country’s sustainability landscape was marked as the Inquirer Group of Companies (IGC) presented the first-ever Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards 2025, honoring organizations whose dedication to environmental stewardship, social equity, and strong governance is shaping a more resilient future for the Philippines.
Held at the Inquirer Media Resource Plaza in Makati, the event celebrated the achievements of publicly listed companies (PLCs), large enterprises, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have successfully turned ESG principles into impactful programs. Each honoree shared a common goal: building a future where business growth and social progress advance hand in hand.
The awards are part of IGC’s broader commitment as a founding member of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC), a collaborative initiative with Malaysia’s Star Media Group and Indonesia’s KG Media. Through education, engagement, and community-building, A-EPIC aims to accelerate sustainable transformation across the region, with flagship platforms like Star ESG, KG Media Lestari, and Inquirer ESG Edge leading the advocacy.
Over the past year, ESG Edge has spearheaded awareness campaigns, hosted strategic forums, and fostered partnerships that connect corporate leaders, policymakers, and local communities. The newly launched awards extend this mission by celebrating the organizations that not only align their operations with ESG goals but also inspire action beyond their own walls.
The winners reflected a diverse range of impactful initiatives. Energy Development Corp. received top honors for its 15-year regenerative ecosystem program and the 40-year legacy of its Tongonan Geothermal Plant, while Maynilad Water Services Inc. was recognized for reducing non-revenue water losses and advancing sustainable water management. Meanwhile, Ayala Land Inc. and Holcim Philippines Inc. stood out for their circular economy efforts, and Jollibee Foods Corp. was commended for innovations in energy efficiency and supply chain sustainability.
Social impact champions also took center stage. ACEN Corp. was lauded for its support to Indigenous communities, Globe Telecom for its nationwide hunger alleviation movement, and Bricolage Philippines for pioneering neurodiverse workforce inclusion. In the realm of governance and innovation, Aboitiz Power Corp., Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz earned recognition for driving transparency, digital transformation, and circular economy partnerships.
The night concluded with special honors for the Most Outstanding ESG Initiatives: Tata Consultancy Services in the MSME category and ACEN Corp. among PLCs. All Gold winners, excluding certain water and governance categories, will represent the Philippines at the Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on November 6, 2025.
Beyond the accolades, the Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards underscored a powerful message: that sustainability is no longer a corporate choice but a shared responsibility. As the Philippine business community embraces this mission, their stories offer not just inspiration but a blueprint for a more inclusive, sustainable future.
