BDO hits PHP1T in sustainable financing milestone

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BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) has surpassed PHP1 trillion in sustainable project financing, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to inclusive growth, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.

Since launching its Sustainable Finance Program in 2010, BDO has funded PHP1.04 trillion in projects across the energy, infrastructure, water, transportation, and community development sectors.

“Championing sustainable infrastructure is more than financing — it’s about building a climate-resilient future,” said Charles M. Rodriguez, BDO executive vice president and head of the Institutional Banking Group.

“At BDO, we are proud to partner with companies that drive innovation, uplift communities, and fuel national progress.”

BDO played a key role as anchor lender in the syndicated term loan for San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp.’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) — one of the largest integrated systems of its kind globally.

The 32 BESS facilities operated by SMGP across the country offer a combined capacity of 1,000 MWh, helping stabilize renewable power supply and improve power quality.

This supports the Philippines’ target of sourcing 35% of its energy from renewables by 2030.

BDO also provided project financing for Citicore Renewable Energy Corp.’s Citicore Solar Batangas 1 project — the largest solar development in Batangas.

The project, comprising two solar plants in Tuy, will generate 197 MW at peak capacity and power around 158,000 households annually.

CREC is also pioneering AgroSolar, a dual-use system that integrates solar energy production with active agricultural land use.

Additionally, BDO recently financed MTerra Solar — the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility.

Located across 3,500 hectares in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, the 3,500 MWp solar farm with 4,500 MWh battery storage is expected to power up to 2.4 million households.

As the largest lender in the PHP150 billion project finance deal, BDO provided the biggest commitment among the six-bank syndicate.

BDO Trust and Investments Group serves as facility agent and security trustee, while BDO Capital is the sole mandated lead arranger and bookrunner.

BDO also acts as MTerra Solar’s main account bank, highlighting its leadership in structuring large-scale sustainable energy projects.

Beyond energy, BDO continues to finance green buildings, rooftop solar systems, and resource-efficient infrastructure that cut emissions and improve operational performance.

Speaking at the Department of Energy’s Philippine Conference on Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Michelle Patricia Cillan — BDO first vice president and head of the ESG Desk for Institutional Banking Group — said energy efficiency remains a key path to greening portfolios.

“While there are challenges, understanding our clients’ business models allows us to unlock financing opportunities,” she said.

BDO’s sustainability efforts are anchored on its Board-approved Sustainable Finance Framework — the most comprehensive in the country — certified by Morningstar Sustainalytics with 29 eligible categories across Green, Blue, Social, and Gender financing.