By JAMES A. LOYOLA
Tycoon Andrew Tan’s conglomerate Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI) is aiming to be carbon neutral and to generate at least 5 million direct and indirect jobs by 2030, as part of its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG).
AGI Chief Executive Officer Kevin L. Tan
In a statement, the firm said the companies under Tan’s flagship AGI rolled out various programs and activities to support the goals at the recent SustainAGIlity Summit hosted by the conglomerate.
The subsidiaries consist of Megaworld Corporation for real estate; Emperador, Inc. for liquor; Travellers International Hotel Group for gaming, entertainment and hotels; Golden Arches Development Corporation for quick service restaurants under the McDonald’s brand; and Infracorp Development, Inc. for infrastructure.
“We must start to become more conscious and responsible for the long-term social, economic, and environmental impact of our businesses,” said AGI Chief Executive Officer Kevin L. Tan.
He noted that, “As a responsible corporate citizen, our decisions should no longer just be driven by what is good and profitable, but by what is right.”
AGI currently employs over 80,000 people in its various businesses across the country.
Megaworld, and its subsidiaries Empire East Land Holdings, Inc., (EELHI), Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), and Suntrust Properties, Inc. (SPI), committed to continue creating sustainable townships and communities that utilize renewable energy and promoting “plastic neutrality.”
It also commits to create around three million direct and indirect jobs in its various developments across the country within 10 years.
Emperador vowed to continue utilizing technologies that save water and reduce emission including the use of renewable energy for its vineyards and distilleries in Spain, Mexico, and the Philippines; and the use of water conservation methods for irrigation of vineyards in Spain and Mexico.
Travellers International, likewise, embarks on projects that utilize renewable energy such as solar, and the employment of more local hires in its casino and hotel operations.
Golden Arches hires an average of 80 to 100 additional workers for every restaurant that is opened. This also includes job opportunities of students and out-of-school youth to their special employment program.
McDonald’s also advocates the use of reusable cutlery, and the minimized use of plastics through the introduction of paper bags, straws, and lids. The company also started rolling out reusable packaging, solar rooftops and use of ecobricks in some of its stores, and reinforced waste segregation system.
“Our collective strength as a conglomerate certainly gives us the ability to make these positive changes happen,” Tan explained.