Arthaland Corporation, the foremost sustainable developer in the Philippines, has successfully issued and listed P3 billion ASEAN Green Bonds on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corporation (PDEx). The P3 billion issuance is the first tranche of Arthaland’s P6 billion ASEAN Green Bond Program under shelf registration with the SEC.
For this offer, Arthaland established a green finance framework, the first from a property developer in the Philippines. Under the green finance framework, proceeds from the issuance shall be used to finance a portfolio of eligible projects related to green developments. Vigeo Eiris, an independent international provider of environmental, social and governance (ESG) services for investors and public & private organizations, has given its highest level of assurance on Arthaland’s commitments and on the contribution of the issuance of financial instruments under the green finance framework to sustainability.
Secretary of Finance Carlos Dominguez extended his congratulations to Arthaland for the resounding success of the issuance of its ASEAN Green Bonds and further expressed the following in his remarks during the ceremony at PDEx. “The Arthaland listing is the first of its kind undertaken by a nonbank entity in the local bond market. The success of this listing reflects the improved awareness of our capital market about the need for comprehensive and long-term investments in the country’s sustainable development. Such investments will help in building resiliency in all our communities,” he said.
Arthaland is the only Philippine real estate company whose portfolio consists entirely of certified sustainable developments which are targeted to achieve multiple green building certifications both internationally, with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as well as with the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Green Building Program of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and locally with the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC) Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE), rating programs.
“World-class quality and sustainability is at the heart of each Arthaland project,” said Jaime Gonzalez, Arthaland’s vice chairman and president. “The proceeds from the offering allow us to continue to lead the green building charge as we plan to dramatically grow our portfolio of high quality, sustainable projects in key urban areas.”
