Federico LopezAnother year comes to a close. And with it, the lessons and gifts as well as the changes and the challenges. As always, we pause during this blessed season to take stock of all we have accomplished and all that still lies ahead.

I always like to say that we are truly in exciting times. FPH’s business platform is continually evolving amidst the challenges of climate change and rapid technological disruptions. This year allowed us to continue creating new mindsets, developing new capabilities and even pursuing new ways of organizing how our people and companies operate.

Our battle with global warming and the resulting impacts of climate change also continues.

But together, I can proudly say we’ve stepped up our game not just in our respective industries but, more importantly, in our daily lives.

Our sustainability initiatives at the holding company level cuts through every subsidiary as we see each of our subs migrating to renewable energy, measuring their own carbon footprints, saving and enhancing water supplies, efficiently using materials to reduce waste, managing their energy utilization and inculcating a culture of sustainability among our employees as well.

In July, we launched the Step Up program to encourage our employees to be more aware of the impact of their daily life choices, then take action  by committing to step up one day at a time until the sustainable lifestyle becomes second nature to them. No action is simple or small as all these can have positive impacts—on our health, our society, our economy and our environment.

Recently, FPH was conferred the 2017 PSE Bell Award for the Best Sustainability Program, while First Gen won the Green Company of the Year at the 2017 Asia CEO Awards. Both recognitions demonstrate our capabilities and strong leadership to blaze the trail towards a sustainable and decarbonized planet.

Our experiences made us stronger and more focused on what we are, what we do and what we believe in as a group of companies. As the year closes, let us be grateful for the blessings we have received and remember and cherish the people who were part of our journey: Tita Presy (Psinakis), Wash SyCip and Edwin CoSeteng—thank you very much for sharing your precious time, and for your dedication and wholehearted commitment to us. Our fond memories of each of you will forever be remembered, your legacies always celebrated.

I look to the future with hope and courage, and pray for strength and grace for our families, loved ones, friends, colleagues, our partners and stakeholders and all our businesses.

I wish you all a happy and meaningful Christmas, and best wishes for the New Year.

FEDERICO R. LOPEZ

Chairman, FPH Group