PLDT Inc. has secured another green loan facility worth P4 billion to finance the nationwide modernization and expansion of its fiber footprint facilitated by an energy-efficient network.
PLDT said this is its first green loan secured from a local financial institution, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. Last March, it secured its initial P1- billion green loan from HSBC Philippines.
The loan proceeds are earmarked for the nationwide expansion of its fiber footprint which will not only narrow the country’s digital divide, but also ensure a fast and reliable internet experience facilitated by an energy-efficient network, PLDT said.
“Securing another green loan facility for PLDT showcases our commitment to integrate sustainability in every facet of our operations and underscores our holistic approach to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices,” said Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT chief sustainability officer.
Fiber-optic technology is integral to PLDT’s energy-efficient network, consuming significantly less energy than traditional copper-based infrastructure and requiring less power for data transmission over long distances while maintaining minimal degradation.
This not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with the PLDT Group’s decarbonization roadmap by minimizing energy usage. The roadmap aims to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030, coming from a 2019 baseline.
Anchoring on this ambitious target, the group is also actively exploring integration of renewables, green technologies, and various resource optimization initiatives.
Danny Yu, PLDT chief financial officer and chief risk management officer, said PLDT’s active participation in the growing domestic market for sustainable finance adheres to global best practices in pursuit of sustainable profitability.
