Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), the leading real estate developer in the Visayas and Mindanao, has been included in the ATRAM Philippine Sustainable Development Growth (SDG) Fund following its issuance of a ₱5 billion sustainability-linked bond.
This bond, aimed at supporting CLI’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, marks a significant step in the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability.
The ATRAM SDG Fund, managed by ATRAM, selects the top 20 listed companies in the Philippines based on their strong ESG performance, while also maintaining robust financial growth.
ATRAM (ATR Asset Management Group) is an independent asset management company in the Philippines, managing portfolios for mutual funds, trust assets, insurance portfolios, and real estate.
As of December 2024, the ₱300 million fund has achieved an impressive 18% return, ranking it as the third-best performing equity fund in the country. CLI’s inclusion highlights the successful outcomes of its sustainability efforts.
“We are pleased and encouraged by our inclusion in the ATRAM SDG Fund, which acknowledges companies that prioritize sustainability in their operations,” said CLI chairman and CEO Jose R. Soberano III.
“This recognition underscores our long-standing commitment to ESG principles, ensuring that we deliver high-quality developments while positively impacting communities and the environment. The increasing demand from investors for sustainable companies motivates us to embed these values into every aspect of our business,” he added.
Even before joining the ATRAM SDG Fund, CLI has consistently prioritized sustainability through its detailed Sustainability Reports.
The company’s initiatives, such as biodiversity conservation, community livelihood programs, and environmental protection, demonstrate its deep integration of ESG principles in all aspects of its operations.
CLI’s commitment is further exemplified by programs like GROW, LAMBO, and the Magspeak project. LAMBO stands for Livelihood Assistance for Multi-sectoral Beneficiary Organizations while GROW is short for Green Resources and Opportunities for Work.
CLI projects that enhance ecosystems and support communities
CLI’s sustainability commitment is evident in the Magspeak Mountain Resort and Villas, located in Barangay Magsaysay, Balamban, Cebu. This development serves as a model for environmental conservation, integrating biodiversity management, sustainable ecosystem enrichment, and green architecture. The site is home to over 24,993 native trees and 30 bird species, with ongoing initiatives to enhance local biodiversity.
The company’s environmental efforts also extend to its GROW program, which has successfully planted over 400,000 trees—ranging from mangroves and timber to fruit trees—across 151 sites, achieving an impressive 80% survival rate. These greening initiatives contribute to Cebu’s biodiversity conservation while supporting CLI’s project sites.
Beyond ecological efforts, CLI empowers local communities through the LAMBO program. Under the GROW sub-program, CLI supports farmers and fishermen by creating opportunities in seedling production, tree planting, and forest management.
Additionally, its Tabo sa CLI initiative eliminates middlemen by directly connecting farmers with consumers in CLI corporate offices and residential communities. As of the end of 2024, CLI has partnered with 16 people’s organizations, benefiting 536 farmers and fishermen across 164 planting sites.
“Our inclusion in the ATRAM SDG Fund strengthens our resolve to expand our sustainability initiatives,” said Soberano.
“This recognition comes at an important time as we prepare for the upcoming listing of our ₱5 billion sustainability-linked bond—another testament to our steadfast commitment to sustainability,” he added.
This ₱5 billion bond will be a pioneering move in the market, as it uses a performance metric that focuses on the social aspects of sustainability. It provides investors with an opportunity to support CLI’s mission of contributing to nation-building and achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals, all while driving long-term growth in the VisMin real estate sector.
