BDO supports San Miguel’s push for sustainable growth

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BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) continues to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable and responsible growth across the Philippines by partnering with major conglomerates like San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

Through strategic financing and collaboration, BDO is helping to advance projects that significantly impact the economy, society, and environment.

San Miguel Corporation, a cornerstone of the Philippine economy, made headlines by becoming the only Filipino company to break into the top ten of Fortune Magazine’s first-ever Southeast Asia 500 list in 2024.

With a diversified portfolio that spans from food and beverage to infrastructure, energy, and property, SMC contributes approximately 6% to the country’s GDP.

Under its guiding principle “Your World Made Better,” SMC is committed to sustainability and nation-building. The company has launched a range of initiatives aimed at protecting the environment (kalikasan), supporting communities (kalinga), and driving economic progress (kasaganahan).

One of the key projects under this initiative is the San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corporation’s (SMGP) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which ranks among the largest integrated battery energy storage systems globally.

BDO served as the anchor lender for this groundbreaking project, which includes 32 BESS facilities nationwide.

These facilities, with a combined capacity of 1,000 MWh, are designed to enhance power quality and stability, particularly by addressing the intermittency issues associated with renewable energy sources.

The project is aligned with the Philippine government’s goal of generating 35% of the nation’s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

SMC is also leading several major infrastructure developments, including the Metro Rail Transit 7 (MRT-7), a project designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Metro Manila and reduce commuter travel time.

As one of the high-impact Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects under the government’s “Build Better More” program, MRT-7 is expected to significantly improve mass transportation. BDO’s involvement as the primary lender underscores the bank’s commitment to enhancing the country’s infrastructure.

Other significant projects financed by BDO include the Metro Manila Skyway (MMS) Stage 3 and the Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway (TPLEX), which have been crucial in creating jobs and stimulating economic activities.

The projects highlight BDO’s integral role in advancing national infrastructure development.

BDO’s efforts in supporting these projects have not gone unnoticed as it bank recently received accolades at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards, including the Renewable Energy Deal of the Year for the PHP40-billion Syndicated Term Loan Facility for SMGP’s BESS project.

Additionally, BDO was recognized for its role in arranging and managing the PHP100-billion Syndicated Term Loan Facility for SMC’s MRT-7 project, winning the Transport Deal of the Year.

The bank also garnered top honors at the 9th Investment House Association of the Philippines (IHAP) Awards 2024.

As SMC strives to meet its environmental targets—aiming for a fully sustainable supply chain by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050—BDO’s ongoing support remains crucial.

“At SMC, we are committed to building a future where the environment, our people, and the economy collectively thrive. With BDO’s invaluable support, we are able to advance projects that are at the forefront of nation-building, ensuring a better future for every Filipino. We are grateful for partners like BDO, who share our vision for a sustainable, progressive Philippines for all,” said SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang.