The third season of the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series is officially underway, transforming from a premier sporting event into a powerful force for environmental advocacy and marine conservation in the Philippines.
More Than a Race: Sailing with a Purpose
First launched in 2023, the series was initially designed to position the Philippines as a top-tier global sailing destination. However, its mission expanded significantly by its second season, embracing a strong sustainability agenda. This year, under the powerful theme "Do More for the Philippine Seas," the competition has cemented its role as a key platform for environmental engagement.
The event attracts elite sailing teams and enthusiasts to iconic coastal locations, including Corregidor, Busuanga, Boracay, and Subic. Beyond the thrill of the race, each regatta now features sustainability workshops, coastal clean-up drives, and educational programs for local communities, embedding conservation directly into the fabric of the sport.
Anchoring Advocacy in Sustainable Finance
BPI's commitment to the environment extends far beyond the water. The institution is a leader in sustainable investing, a fact highlighted by its financial innovations. In 2022, its asset management arm, BPI Wealth, launched the country's first Sustainable Fund Suite.
This suite consists of three Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs)—a bond fund, an equity fund, and a balanced fund-of-funds. These funds strategically invest in leading global companies that are tackling critical sustainability challenges like climate change, renewable energy, and social equality.
Maria Theresa D. Marcial, President and CEO of BPI Wealth, stated that this initiative reflects the bank's broader commitment to responsible banking. In a move to make sustainable investing more accessible, BPI Wealth will introduce a peso class for its sustainable fund suite in 2026, allowing more Filipinos to participate in building a greener future.
Collaborative Efforts for a Healthier Planet
Season 3 of the yacht race also emphasizes deeper partnerships with environmental organizations. During the Subic leg of the previous season, WWF-Philippines hosted a Sustainability Talk that stressed the importance of collective action.
Dino Calderon, WWF's Head of Education for Sustainable Development, powerfully noted, "All our actions on land resonate across the sea." He emphasized that while there is no single solution, significant progress is possible when communities act together.
As the sails fill with wind for another season, the BPI Private Wealth Signature Yacht Race Series is no longer just a race to the finish line. It has become a collective journey toward securing the health and beauty of the Philippines' marine heritage for the generations to come.
