Today marks the 35th anniversary of Aboitiz Foundation’s work in co-creating resilient, empowered, and sustainable communities. In the Aboitiz Group’s journey to become the Philippines’ first&nbsp;techglomerate, Aboitiz Foundation represents what lies at the heart of this Great Transformation: People. The Foundation optimizes the synergies of Aboitiz business units and its partners nationwide to create more value for its beneficiaries, its communities, and the environment.&nbsp;

The Group’s commitment to corporate citizenship traces back to over a century ago when its founder, Don Ramon Aboitiz, began his corporate philanthropy efforts to better the welfare of his employees. Founded in 1988, Aboitiz Foundation has evolved beyond traditional charity, harnessing innovation to drive change and shape the future of underserved communities. With investments totaling more than PHP5 billion, Aboitiz Foundation has partnered with some 600,000 individuals and institutional partners and implemented over 5,000 corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.

Over the years, Aboitiz Foundation has provided resources, facilities, and scholarships to Filipino students and young professionals, especially those in remote areas who have less access. The Foundation made a US$10 million donation to the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) for the Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology &amp; Entrepreneurship (ASITE) to help address the demand for talent in data science in the country through world-class teaching and research. The Foundation is also onboarding partners to scale Aurora PH, a project that aims to provide access to electricity, internet connectivity, and digital tools to accelerate the learning of students in last-mile schools. Focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and entrepreneurial fields, the Foundation’s aims aim to empower the nation’s future leaders with opportunities to drive change for the generations to come.

In an ever-changing economic landscape, Aboitiz Foundation adopts an agile approach in its development programs. It finds ways to leverage technology to upskill Filipinos so they can excel in the digital economy. In 2022, over 6,000 beneficiaries, including MSMEs and cooperatives, received support and training through the foundation’s programs.&nbsp;Byaheng Digiskarte&nbsp;equips MSMEs and micro-entrepreneurs with the digital tools and skills they need to successfully grow their businesses. Similarly, the&nbsp;Elevate AIDA&nbsp;(Artificial Intelligence and Data Annotation) program provides data annotation and other technical training for homemakers and mothers that will enable them to earn a living while taking care of their families. With these new capabilities, more and more Filipinos can shape the future for themselves and their communities.&nbsp;

Since its inception, Aboitiz Foundation has been committed to protect the environment. The Foundation has invested in sites such as the&nbsp;Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, which serves as a sanctuary for endangered wildlife, built entirely of recycled materials. Last year, Cleanergy Park released some 8,000 hawksbill turtle hatchlings and planted more than 19,000 mangroves.&nbsp;A-Park&nbsp;is another nationwide project towards reforestation and nature-based carbon capture solutions. The Foundation also works with various government, academic, and non-profit partners to implement systems that will develop more climate-resilient, climate-smart communities.

This journey over the years has been guided by an emphasis on the “S” in ESG, in which Aboitiz Foundation takes a people-centric approach and pairs with technology-driven solutions to drive positive change. As Aboitiz Foundation forges ahead, it carries a renewed commitment to expand flagship programs, foster global collaborations, and harness innovation to continue transforming — all in its unwavering mission to shape a brighter future for its communities, and for the nation.

<h1>35 years of transformation with Aboitiz Foundation</h1>Today marks the 35th anniversary of Aboitiz Foundation’s work in co-creating resilient, empowered, and sustainable communities. In the Aboitiz Group’s journey to become the Philippines’ first&nbsp;techglomerate, Aboitiz Foundation represents what lies at the heart of this Great Transformation: People. The Foundation optimizes the synergies of Aboitiz business units and its partners nationwide to create more value for its beneficiaries, its communities, and the environment.&nbsp;The Group’s commitment to corporate citizenship traces back to over a century ago when its founder, Don Ramon Aboitiz, began his corporate philanthropy efforts to better the welfare of his employees. Founded in 1988, Aboitiz Foundation has evolved beyond traditional charity, harnessing innovation to drive change and shape the future of underserved communities. With investments totaling more than PHP5 billion, Aboitiz Foundation has partnered with some 600,000 individuals and institutional partners and implemented over 5,000 corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.FUTURE LEADERSOver the years, Aboitiz Foundation has provided resources, facilities, and scholarships to Filipino students and young professionals, especially those in remote areas who have less access. The Foundation made a US$10 million donation to the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) for the Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology &amp; Entrepreneurship (ASITE) to help address the demand for talent in data science in the country through world-class teaching and research. The Foundation is also onboarding partners to scale Aurora PH, a project that aims to provide access to electricity, internet connectivity, and digital tools to accelerate the learning of students in last-mile schools. Focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and entrepreneurial fields, the Foundation’s aims aim to empower the nation’s future leaders with opportunities to drive change for the generations to come.<img style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/c25636d1fc6dede3183ff473155b2710c90bdda5d4bbfc4c9ba6013916679438/AFI2.jpg" alt="Image"/>ENTERPRISE &amp; JOBSIn an ever-changing economic landscape, Aboitiz Foundation adopts an agile approach in its development programs. It finds ways to leverage technology to upskill Filipinos so they can excel in the digital economy. In 2022, over 6,000 beneficiaries, including MSMEs and cooperatives, received support and training through the foundation’s programs.&nbsp;Byaheng Digiskarte&nbsp;equips MSMEs and micro-entrepreneurs with the digital tools and skills they need to successfully grow their businesses. Similarly, the&nbsp;Elevate AIDA&nbsp;(Artificial Intelligence and Data Annotation) program provides data annotation and other technical training for homemakers and mothers that will enable them to earn a living while taking care of their families. With these new capabilities, more and more Filipinos can shape the future for themselves and their communities.&nbsp;<img style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/11e4ff79c9ac130dc9356393292dab2066bc38bc31c1c08b70f0294d1992784c/AFI1.jpg" alt="Image"/>CLIMATE ACTIONSince its inception, Aboitiz Foundation has been committed to protect the environment. The Foundation has invested in sites such as the&nbsp;Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, which serves as a sanctuary for endangered wildlife, built entirely of recycled materials. Last year, Cleanergy Park released some 8,000 hawksbill turtle hatchlings and planted more than 19,000 mangroves.&nbsp;A-Park&nbsp;is another nationwide project towards reforestation and nature-based carbon capture solutions. The Foundation also works with various government, academic, and non-profit partners to implement systems that will develop more climate-resilient, climate-smart communities.This journey over the years has been guided by an emphasis on the “S” in ESG, in which Aboitiz Foundation takes a people-centric approach and pairs with technology-driven solutions to drive positive change. As Aboitiz Foundation forges ahead, it carries a renewed commitment to expand flagship programs, foster global collaborations, and harness innovation to continue transforming — all in its unwavering mission to shape a brighter future for its communities, and for the nation.

Foundations / Associations

35 years of transformation with Aboitiz Foundation

MANILA -- Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) on Wednesday said it is looking to partner with a global consumer goods firm to buy the Philippine manufacturer of Coca-Cola products.&nbsp;

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, AEV said it is in advanced discussions with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC (CCEP) for a possible joint buyout of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines (CCBP).&nbsp;

CCBP is currently 100 percent owned by The Coca-Cola Company, the US-based firm which licenses the Coca-Cola brand and products.&nbsp;

AEV said it sees CCBP having an enterprise value of $1.8 billion. There will also be a 60:40 ownership structure between CCEP and AEV, the company added.

"AEV would be well positioned to support CCBP’s growth ambition given the synergies that can be generated from AEV’s other businesses," the company said.

Aboitiz however also said there is "no certainty at this stage, that the proposed acquisition" will be completed, but the company will provide updates on the matter.&nbsp;

If the deal pushes through, Aboitiz said it expects the transaction to close this fiscal year subject to certain governmental and regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Philippine Competition Commission.

<h1>Aboitiz eyes acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages PH</h1>MANILA -- Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) on Wednesday said it is looking to partner with a global consumer goods firm to buy the Philippine manufacturer of Coca-Cola products.&nbsp;In a disclosure to the stock exchange, AEV said it is in advanced discussions with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC (CCEP) for a possible joint buyout of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines (CCBP).&nbsp;CCBP is currently 100 percent owned by The Coca-Cola Company, the US-based firm which licenses the Coca-Cola brand and products.&nbsp;AEV said it sees CCBP having an enterprise value of $1.8 billion. There will also be a 60:40 ownership structure between CCEP and AEV, the company added."AEV would be well positioned to support CCBP’s growth ambition given the synergies that can be generated from AEV’s other businesses," the company said.Aboitiz however also said there is "no certainty at this stage, that the proposed acquisition" will be completed, but the company will provide updates on the matter.&nbsp;If the deal pushes through, Aboitiz said it expects the transaction to close this fiscal year subject to certain governmental and regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Philippine Competition Commission.

Food / Sweets

Aboitiz eyes acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages PH

MANILA, Philippines — After acquiring the operations of the Cebu airport, the Aboitiz Group has expanded to the airline business by becoming the majority owner of low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines.

The Aboitiz Group is spreading its wings in the aviation segment by pushing for the privatization of several airports in the regions as well as jumping on the airline competition.

Multiple sources told The STAR that the Aboitiz Group controls AA Com Travel Philippines Inc., the firm that bought a 60 percent stake in AirAsia Philippines in June.

An industry source said the Aboitiz Group made the buyout in support of its proposal to rehabilitate and upgrade the airports in Albay and Bohol. Under Aboitiz ownership, AirAsia Philippines will increase its flight routes and volumes to and from Albay, Bohol and Cebu.

Last year, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) announced that it would invest at least P25 billion to take over GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., which has the 25-year concession to develop, operate and maintain the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

AIC expects to acquire by the end of 2024 the full ownership of GMCAC from the joint venture of Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Airports International BV.

In 2018, AIC filed an unsolicited proposal worth P148 billion to manage and sustain four airports in the regions: Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Laguindingan Airport and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

AIC secured the original proponent status for the upgrade of Laguindingan Airport and is eyeing to get the same for the Bohol and Bicol airports under the Marcos administration.

According to another source, Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin Aboitiz talked to AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes during the latter’s visit in the Philippines in June. There, the Aboitiz head vowed to infuse the capital needed by the airline to keep up with competitors.

The Aboitiz Group committed to inject the cash that AirAsia Philippines requires in building up its fleet. At present, the airline manages a total of 16 aircraft, all&nbsp; Airbus A320s.

AirAsia Philippines aims to double its fleet by 2024 and the addition of the Aboitiz Group in the mix gives it an additional source of capital.

In the future, AirAsia Philippines plans to add wide-body aircraft, particularly A330s, in its fleet to scale up the number of passengers that it can fly in one go.

Likewise, both sources confirmed that the Aboitiz Group will increase the manpower of AirAsia Philippines given the demand for additional pilots and staff to service the incoming aircraft.

In June, F&amp;S Holdings Inc., owned by Rep. Michael Romero and his wife Sheila, announced that it sold its shares in AirAsia Philippines to AA Com Travel Philippines. The Romero family said it would focus on its ports and power investments moving forward.

With this, AA Com Travel Philippines becomes the sole local owner of AirAsia Philippines with a share of 60 percent. Capital A Berhad, led by Fernandes, holds the other 40 percent.

From a 15.7 percent ownership in AirAsia Philippines, F&amp;S Holdings took majority ownership in 2019 when it consolidated the 28.7 percent shares of Zest-O founder Alfredo Yao and business executive Marianne Hontiveros, as well as the 15.6 percent stake of Antonio Cojuangco.

AirAsia Philippines is the third largest airline in the country, operating more than 100 flights to local destinations every day.

Based on records, the airline served 2.01 million domestic passengers and 198,093 international travelers in 2022, just behind flag carrier Philippine Airlines and low-cost operator Cebu Pacific.

<h1>Aboitiz Group takes control of AirAsia Philippines</h1>MANILA, Philippines — After acquiring the operations of the Cebu airport, the Aboitiz Group has expanded to the airline business by becoming the majority owner of low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines.The Aboitiz Group is spreading its wings in the aviation segment by pushing for the privatization of several airports in the regions as well as jumping on the airline competition.Multiple sources told The STAR that the Aboitiz Group controls AA Com Travel Philippines Inc., the firm that bought a 60 percent stake in AirAsia Philippines in June.An industry source said the Aboitiz Group made the buyout in support of its proposal to rehabilitate and upgrade the airports in Albay and Bohol. Under Aboitiz ownership, AirAsia Philippines will increase its flight routes and volumes to and from Albay, Bohol and Cebu.Last year, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) announced that it would invest at least P25 billion to take over GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., which has the 25-year concession to develop, operate and maintain the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.AIC expects to acquire by the end of 2024 the full ownership of GMCAC from the joint venture of Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Airports International BV.In 2018, AIC filed an unsolicited proposal worth P148 billion to manage and sustain four airports in the regions: Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Laguindingan Airport and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.AIC secured the original proponent status for the upgrade of Laguindingan Airport and is eyeing to get the same for the Bohol and Bicol airports under the Marcos administration.According to another source, Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin Aboitiz talked to AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes during the latter’s visit in the Philippines in June. There, the Aboitiz head vowed to infuse the capital needed by the airline to keep up with competitors.The Aboitiz Group committed to inject the cash that AirAsia Philippines requires in building up its fleet. At present, the airline manages a total of 16 aircraft, all&nbsp; Airbus A320s.AirAsia Philippines aims to double its fleet by 2024 and the addition of the Aboitiz Group in the mix gives it an additional source of capital.In the future, AirAsia Philippines plans to add wide-body aircraft, particularly A330s, in its fleet to scale up the number of passengers that it can fly in one go.Likewise, both sources confirmed that the Aboitiz Group will increase the manpower of AirAsia Philippines given the demand for additional pilots and staff to service the incoming aircraft.In June, F&amp;S Holdings Inc., owned by Rep. Michael Romero and his wife Sheila, announced that it sold its shares in AirAsia Philippines to AA Com Travel Philippines. The Romero family said it would focus on its ports and power investments moving forward.With this, AA Com Travel Philippines becomes the sole local owner of AirAsia Philippines with a share of 60 percent. Capital A Berhad, led by Fernandes, holds the other 40 percent.From a 15.7 percent ownership in AirAsia Philippines, F&amp;S Holdings took majority ownership in 2019 when it consolidated the 28.7 percent shares of Zest-O founder Alfredo Yao and business executive Marianne Hontiveros, as well as the 15.6 percent stake of Antonio Cojuangco.AirAsia Philippines is the third largest airline in the country, operating more than 100 flights to local destinations every day.Based on records, the airline served 2.01 million domestic passengers and 198,093 international travelers in 2022, just behind flag carrier Philippine Airlines and low-cost operator Cebu Pacific.