BPI spotlights Philippine leadership in Sustainable Finance at Sasana Symposium 2025

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) reinforced its role as a regional pioneer in sustainable finance during the prestigious Sasana Symposium 2025 (SS2025), an annual gathering of policymakers, regulators, and financial sector leaders across Asia.

BPI was the only private bank invited to speak at this year’s event, joining respected global institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN).

Held in Kuala Lumpur, the symposium tackled critical topics shaping the financial sector: digital assets, healthcare reform, Islamic finance, financial inclusion, and sustainability. More than 150 senior stakeholders attended, including representatives from central banks, regulators such as the Malaysian Securities Commission, and top executives from financial institutions across the region.

Representing BPI was Jo Ann Eala, Head of the Sustainability Office, who shared the bank’s 17-year journey in sustainable finance—a long-standing commitment that began in 2008. Eala outlined how BPI developed one of the region’s most comprehensive sustainability frameworks, financing hundreds of climate-resilient, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable projects.

“We’re honored to represent the Philippines and demonstrate how financial institutions can play a transformational role in building sustainable economies,” Eala said. “Sustainability at BPI isn’t a side program—it’s fully embedded in how we operate, make decisions, and serve our clients.”

Following the plenary session, Eala was invited to a more in-depth roundtable discussion with over 90 onsite and virtual participants. The session explored BPI’s internal mechanisms for driving sustainability—from risk management to product innovation and performance evaluation.

A central point of interest was BPI’s organization-wide integration of sustainability goals, including a 10% minimum sustainability-related Key Results Area (KRA) requirement for all employees, regardless of role or rank. This unique approach ensures alignment across the Bank and reinforces a culture of accountability for environmental and social outcomes.

Eala also highlighted the vision and leadership of BPI Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (JAZA), who has been recognized globally as one of the foremost Corporate Champions of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Under his stewardship, BPI has evolved its sustainability agenda into a business imperative that shapes long-term growth and impact.

Two cornerstone programs showcased during the symposium were BPI’s Sustainable Development Finance (SDF) Program and its Energy Transition Financing Facility (ETFF).

The SDF Program has provided long-term financing to projects that support renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, sustainable agriculture, pollution control, and sustainable water. These investments have delivered measurable climate mitigation impact, social benefits, and financial returns—supporting both small enterprises and large-scale developers across the Philippines.

The ETFF, meanwhile, enables the repurposing of coal-fired power generation plants to low-carbon renewable technology. With tailored financing terms and technical advisory support, it empowers companies to modernize responsibly and competitively.

“We believe in supporting the transition—not just financing the already green,” Eala explained. “Clients who want to evolve can count on BPI to be a strategic partner in that journey.”

The presentation was well received by regulators and peer institutions, generating significant engagement and requests for further collaboration. 

As markets across the region face growing climate and social challenges, BPI’s participation in Sasana Symposium 2025 affirms its commitment to advancing sustainable finance as both a national priority and a regional opportunity.

“It’s not just about managing risk—it’s about unlocking value and creating positive change,” Eala concluded. “We look forward to continuing this dialogue and helping shape a more sustainable future for ASEAN and beyond.”