Aboitiz Foundation Joins ASEAN Carbon Framework as Observer

“ASEAN has the natural capital and economic dynamism to become a significant player in global carbon markets,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer and President of Aboitiz Foundation.

Private-sector involvement with the ASEAN Commonocarbon Framework allows the Philippines to enhance its role in the growing carbon markets of Southeast Asia. The engagement contributes to regional efforts to promote carbon market integrity, cooperation, and climate finance.

Representing the CarbonPH Coalition and the Philippines Nature-based Solutions Group, Aboitiz Foundation is joining the ACCF as an Observer. The organization is also participating in the signing of its Memorandum of Collaboration at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye.

The signing coincides with the renewal of the ACCF’s Memorandum of Collaboration for another two years. This step reaffirms regional commitments to developing connected, transparent, and high-integrity carbon markets across ASEAN.

“Our aim is to help build a carbon market where integrity attracts investment, climate action creates economic opportunity, and communities share in the value being created,” Hontiveros-Malvar added.

Formed in 2024, the ACCF unites carbon market entities from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia alongside the ASEAN Alliance on Carbon Markets. The goal is to strengthen regional coordination and advance the development of high-integrity carbon markets.

Focused on its 2026–2028 strategy, the framework places priority on expanding ASEAN representation, meeting international standards, improving market infrastructure, and fostering technical cooperation. These measures support credible carbon financing and cross-border market development across the region.

The Philippines participates in private-sector efforts to strengthen the domestic emerging carbon market through industry collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building. The CarbonPH Coalition stands out among these initiatives by uniting diverse stakeholders to investigate prospects for credible carbon market growth and nature-based climate solutions.

Complementing these efforts, both the CarbonPH Coalition and the NbS Group maintain a long-term nature-based solutions initiative. The program focuses on forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, community development, and recommended governance frameworks.

Such initiatives showcase the capability of the Philippines to formulate nature-based carbon projects that foster environmental safeguarding, draw in climate investments, and generate economic prospects for community residents. Furthermore, they supply hands-on insights that Philippine participants can contribute to regional talks as ASEAN progresses toward a better-linked and trustworthy carbon marketplace.

Participating in this initiative gives the Philippines another avenue to fortify regional alliances, back the creation of reliable carbon market frameworks, and draw funding toward climate initiatives. As ASEAN deepens its collaboration on carbon markets, Philippine private-sector involvement can help connect regional climate financing opportunities with local conservation efforts, sustainable livelihoods, and long-term environmental resilience.