Aboitiz Foundation joins ASEAN carbon framework

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is seeking a stronger foothold in Southeast Asia’s emerging carbon markets, with Aboitiz Foundation joining a regional framework as an Observer in a move that could open up opportunities for climate financing, carbon trading and investments in nature-based projects.

Representing the CarbonPH Coalition and the Philippines Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Group, Aboitiz Foundation has joined the ASEAN Common Carbon Framework (ACCF) as an Observer, marking a step toward greater Philippine participation in regional carbon market development.

The engagement coincided with the signing of the framework’s Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, and the renewal of the agreement for another two years.

The move provides Philippine stakeholders an avenue to contribute to discussions on carbon market standards, financing mechanisms and regional cooperation as Southeast Asian economies work toward more interconnected and credible carbon markets.

“ASEAN has the natural capital and economic dynamism to become a significant player in global carbon markets. Through the CarbonPH Coalition and our work in nature-based solutions, we hope to contribute Philippine perspectives and practical experience to this regional effort,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz chief reputation and sustainability officer and president of Aboitiz Foundation.

“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,” she added.

The Philippines’ participation comes as the country works to strengthen its carbon market ecosystem through private-sector collaboration, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives.

One such initiative is the CarbonPH Coalition, which brings together industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for credible carbon market development and nature-based climate solutions.

Together with the NbS Group, the coalition is also advancing a long-term initiative focused on forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection and community development, alongside the development of recommended governance frameworks.

These efforts aim to position the Philippines to develop nature-based carbon projects that can attract climate financing while creating economic opportunities for communities involved in conservation and restoration.

The country has significant potential given its extensive natural resources, but turning this natural capital into viable carbon assets will require credible project standards, transparent governance and mechanisms to ensure measurable environmental and social benefits.

Established in 2024, the ACCF brings together carbon market organizations from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, along with the ASEAN Alliance on Carbon Markets, to coordinate regional initiatives and promote high-integrity carbon market development.

Under its 2026-2028 strategy, the framework is prioritizing broader ASEAN representation, alignment with international standards, stronger market infrastructure and technical cooperation to facilitate credible carbon financing and cross-border market development.

The inclusion of Philippine private-sector stakeholders as Observers provides an opportunity to exchange expertise with established regional initiatives while bringing local experience in conservation, restoration and sustainable investment into the discussions.

For the Philippines, the engagement could help bridge the gap between its natural capital and emerging financing opportunities in regional carbon markets.

As ASEAN moves toward greater market connectivity, the challenge will be to ensure that carbon trading delivers more than emissions offsets by supporting investable climate solutions that protect ecosystems, strengthen local livelihoods and build long-term environmental resilience.