The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines recently held the inaugural Triple P Sustainability Awards at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay last Oct. 25 to recognize Filipino companies that are serving as exemplary role models in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in the country.

The awards, organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines alongside Deloitte and the Makati Business Club, aim to highlight organizations that have taken significant steps beyond regulatory requirements to foster sustainable practices across industries, focusing on the principles of People, Planet, and Progress.

The Triple P Sustainability Awards presented nine awards to six organizations that went beyond compliance to drive meaningful change and inspire sustainable practices across industries. As ESG principles continue to shape corporate operations, these awards recognize companies that have led the way in responsible innovation, accountability, and tangible impact.

International Association of Business Communicators Philippines Board of Trustees and Advisers present during the awarding ceremony (from left to right): Dave Devilles (chair of the Membership, Learning and Engagement Committee), Kane Errol Choa (adviser), Melody Del Rosario (chair of the Environment, Social and Governance Committee), Rey Anthony David (adviser), Belle Tiongco (president), and Joe Zaldarriaga (chairman and chair of the IABC Philippines Forum Series)

Deloitte Philippines partner Jesus Ma. Lava III, who served on the awards’ Technical Committee, said that the Triple P Awards were created to address shortcomings in current ESG recognition frameworks in the Philippines.

“The development of the Triple P Awards emerged as a direct response to gaps in existing sustainability recognition systems, motivating us to create an awarding framework grounded on four principles: ensuring comprehensiveness, prioritizing authenticity, fostering comparability, and upholding objectivity,” Mr. Lava said.

“Our goal since the awards’ inception in 2021 has been to establish a standard in sustainability recognition — one that meaningfully measures performance and commitment to stakeholders,” he added.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) took home the Best ESG Program Award for its Gabay Kalikasan Program, which addresses key communication challenges and supports measurable progress in ESG goals.

Gabay Kalikasan is the environmental aspect of MPIC’s GABAY Advocacies, an organization-wide initiative encompassing the entirety of the MVP Group of Companies. Six GABAY Advocacies for a Sustainable Philippines aim to encapsulate the contributions of the organization toward the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those revolving around Livelihood, Youth and Leadership, Environment, Community Work, Health and Sports, and Education.

Under Gabay Kalikasan, the MPIC and MVP Group seek to become the catalysts for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient planet for every Filipino. Working with experts to protect and nurture vital ecosystems and habitats such as the Laguna de Bay, the program develops and pushes forward campaigns to engage their employees and the general public into becoming environmental champions and enactors of lasting change.

Meanwhile, additional awards also highlighted outstanding achievements in both environmental and social responsibility. SM Investments Corp. demonstrated leadership in social sustainability within the holding company sector, while Light Rail Manila Corp. excelled in promoting social responsibility within the mass transportation industry.

In environmental sustainability, Mondelez International Philippines set the standard in the food manufacturing sector, with Maynilad Water Services Inc. showing exemplary performance in both environmental and social sustainability within water utilities. Manila Electric Company (Meralco) distinguished itself by leading efforts in energy distribution, excelling in both environmental and social impact within the energy sector.

The event culminated with the most prestigious accolade of the night, the presentation of the Triple P Award, which recognized MPIC’s comprehensive sustainability leadership. This award celebrated MPIC’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, proactive climate risk management, and efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions.

MPIC was also recognized for encouraging a people-centered culture, ensuring fair wages, career development, and healthcare access for all employees, while investing 75% of its portfolio in sustainable ventures. The company’s holistic approach presents the importance of integrating social responsibility and environmental stewardship into core business strategies. 

“Through these awards, we honored companies that truly embodied the spirit of sustainability and set new standards within their respective industries. These winners exemplify the power of strategic sustainability in not just enhancing reputation but creating real, measurable impact in society, the environment, and for people,” Melody del Rosario, chair of the IABC ESG Committee, said.

Companies participating in the Triple P Sustainability Awards undergo a comprehensive evaluation across three core areas: People, Planet, and Progress. This process rigorously assesses each company’s overall performance based on a set of foundational sustainability metrics, focusing on sustained achievements rather than isolated initiatives or the outcomes of recent projects. The awards are structured to honor companies that have integrated ESG principles into their long-term operations, showing measurable progress across environmental and social responsibilities.

Award categories are specifically designed to cater to various industries and subsectors, promoting a fair and thorough evaluation. Each company is assessed within the context of its own industry, allowing for meaningful comparisons and ensuring that unique challenges and opportunities within different sectors are properly recognized. This approach provides a level playing field, spotlighting companies that exemplify sector-specific leadership in sustainable practices.

To be eligible for the Triple P Awards, companies and organizations must be registered and operational in the Philippines, with submissions highlighting work implemented between January 2023 and December 2023. The awards are open to a wide array of industries, including Holding Companies, Information Technology, Energy, Water Utilities, Construction, Infrastructure, Banking, Retail, Real Estate, Food & Beverage, and Transportation. This inclusive eligibility framework allows the awards to capture a broad spectrum of exemplary sustainable practices across the Philippine business landscape.

“This event reflects the evolving role of business communication as a driver of sustainable change. It’s inspiring to witness the commitment of these organizations to responsible business practices, proving that progress is not only possible but imperative in today’s world,” IABC Philippines President Belle Tiongco said.

The event was supported by key sponsors: Metro Pacific Investments Corp. as the Gold Sponsor; Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. as Silver Sponsors; and Globe Telecom and Meralco as Bronze Sponsors. Media partners, including TV5, The Philippine STAR, BusinessWorld, Insider PH, and BusinessMirror, helped bring attention to the achievements of these leaders in sustainability.