21 Partner farmers at CREC's solar power plants start the harvest process for eggplants, which are part of the second batch of the Agrosolar Initiative. Photo provided by: BDO Unibank Inc

The story of people, leaders with big dreams, teams with relentless drive, and communities striving for progress have shaped a capital and investment corporation to becoming more than just a financier, but a steadfast partner, nurturing the human element that fuels every enterprise and shaping stories of growth, resilience, and shared success.

 For 25 years, this commitment has defined BDO Capital & Investment Corporation (BDO Capital), empowering businesses with innovative financial solutions, fostering economic development, and supporting organizations in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. 

 As it continues its journey, BDO Capital remains dedicated to building a future where ambition meets opportunity and success is shared by all.

 "Our clients know we are here for their successes and their challenges," shared Eduardo Francisco, President of BDO Capital. "It is about walking the journey together, sharing in their endeavors and triumphs." 

 This commitment to relationships has been the foundation of BDO Capital's impact. By investing time to understand its clients—their needs, aspirations, and values—BDO Capital has not only strengthened businesses, but also touched lives, empowered communities, and contributed to nation-building.

Forging meaningful and impactful relationships

BDO Capital believes that at the heart of every business transaction is a human connection. Whether helping an entrepreneur turn a vision into reality or guiding an industry leader through a major transformation, its approach is grounded on empathy and trust. 

A prime example of this is its decades-long partnership with San Miguel Corporation (SMC). By providing strategic solutions, BDO Capital helped SMC expand into new sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing, enabling the company to emerge as one of the Philippines' largest and most dynamic conglomerates.  

Likewise, BDO Capital helped the DMCI Group pivot from mining into water, energy and cement, the Metro Pacific Group got into toll roads and water through acquisition financing, and the Aboitiz Group in their acquisitions of privatized assets and the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA).   

We still have a long list of clients we assisted in their fund-raising activities like the Razon Group, Lucio Tan Group, Filinvest Group, PHINMA Group, Lucio Co Group, Alcantara Group, Udenna Group, and several Japanese and Korean clients (Marubeni, KEPCO, Tokyo Electric, etc.)   among others, which have relied on BDO Capital's expertise in successfully raising funds through various innovative capital market instruments.

Enhancing connectivity as MRT-7 is expected to improve mass transit in the country and Advancing Air Mobility as the award-winning Mactan Cebu International Airport boasts of world-class amenities to bolster tourism in the Philippines. Photos provided by: BDO Unibank Inc 

For BDO Capital, this partnership encapsulates its philosophy: success is not just about financial gains, but about cultivating relationships that empower clients to dream big and achieve. "What we value most is not just the growth of a business but the trust we build with the people behind it," Francisco said. 

This philosophy also drives BDO Capital's role in initial public offerings (IPOs) and follow-on offerings (FOOs). Companies like Alliance Global, Vista Land, Monde Nissin, Converge, OceanaGold, MREIT, and CREIT have relied on BDO Capital's expertise to navigate the complexities of going public.

These IPOs and FOOs mark significant milestones not only for the companies involved, but also for their employees, customers, and communities as these create jobs, foster innovation, and drive economic progress—underscoring the broader societal impact of BDO Capital's work.   

Standing together, especially in tough times 

 It is in moments of uncertainty that relationships are truly tested. The 2008 global financial crisis and the health crisis that have severely affected the market forcing many to shut down. BDO Capital stepped up—not just as a financial provider, but as an ally. 

By tailored solutions and implementing operational adjustments, it helped businesses navigate turbulent waters. "In times like those, it was not enough to offer generic advice," Francisco recalled. "We had to show we were in it with them, finding creative ways to help them adapt and rebuild."  

This dedication has left a lasting impact. BDO Capital has built a reputation as a partner that remains present in both good and challenging times, not only to provide financing, but to enable its clients to stay resilient, adapt to shifting circumstances, and emerge stronger than before.   

 Integrating purpose in every business venture

As businesses and communities strive for a sustainable future, BDO Capital has taken the initiative in promoting responsible growth. Through innovative financing tools such as the award-winning Green IPOs (Alternergy, Citicore), ASEAN Sustainability-Linked Bonds (Ayala Land), Green Bonds (ACEN, ArthaLand), Gender Bonds (ASA) and Blue Bonds (Maynilad), BDO Capital has provided companies with access to capital while encouraging them to adopt practices that address pressing environmental and social challenges.    

One standout partnership is with the Lopez Group, which transitioned to clean energy through project financing several of its power generating assets and helping them acquire PNOC EDC post-privatization and PSE listing.  Likewise, we have also been helping the Ayala Group in their bonds and preferred shares issuances aimed at promoting ESG practices, such as ACEN's Green Bonds and Ayala Land's Sustainability-Linked Bonds. 

BDO Capital's commitment to sustainability goes beyond individual clients. By financing infrastructure projects such as renewable energy facilities and expressways, it contributes to national development while promoting environmental stewardship.  

BDO Capital's efforts in sustainability also highlight the interconnected nature of business and society for the benefit of not just shareholders but also employees, customers, and future generations.

Supporting Renewable Energy through the Alternergy's Pililla wind farm providing electricity to thousands of Metro Manila households and partner farmers at CREC's solar power plants start the harvest process for eggplants, which are part of the second batch of the Agrosolar Initiative. Photos provided by: BDO Unibank Inc 

Helping uplift lives

BDO Capital's commitment to relationships extends to fostering economic inclusion and nation-building through its involvement in the fund-raising exercises of the Bureau of Treasury (RTB), Light Rail Transit Authority, Home Guarantee Corporation and other government-owned-and-controlled corporations. 

Photo provided by: BDO Unibank Inc 

Infrastructure advisory and financing are other avenues where BDO Capital's impact is evident. Projects like the MCIA, NLEX, MCX, TPLEX, and the on-going rehabilitation of NAIA have transformed regional connectivity, driving economic growth and improving access to goods, services, and opportunities. 

In addition, BDO Capital also played vital roles by arranging project and structured financing for Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, and the integrated resort projects of Travellers/Newport, Bloomberry/Solaire, and Okada Manila. Other financing transactions managed by BDO Capital include Century Pacific Food's acquisition of Shakey's and the Campos Group's investment in Del Monte. BDO Capital has also been assisting on an arms-length basis its parent SM Group in raising financing for its various subsidiaries through IPOs and bond issues.   

"Our work goes beyond the bottom line and is not just about individual clients," Francisco explained. "It is about creating opportunities for people and building a future we can all be proud of." 

Building a legacy together

Empowering Investors and Fueling Government Initiatives. BDO Capital President Ed Francisco (front, rightmost) with Finance Secretary Ralph Recto (back, center) and the Bureau of the Treasury at the Retail Treasury Bonds 30 launch and driving infrastructure through Metro Manila Skyway (MMS) Stage 3 project aims to boost domestic mobility. Photos provided by: BDO Unibank Inc 

As BDO Capital marks its 25th anniversary, it remains steadfast in its belief that business is ultimately about people. By focusing on the human side of business, BDO Capital has helped shape enterprises that not only succeed but also contribute to the well-being of employees, families, and communities.   

"We are not just focused on what is next for our clients—we are thinking about what is next for the people and communities they serve," Francisco shared.  

BDO Capital's commitment goes beyond business—it is about creating real impact in the lives of everyday Filipinos. It means helping small businesses grow, enabling families to secure their future, and supporting industries that drive progress. When companies succeed, so do the people and communities around them, building a strong, resilient nation for all.

To know more about BDO Capital, visit their website