From visionaries to sustainability champions

The Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards provides a platform for exemplary companies committed to ethical governance, sustainability, and generating value beyond business.

At the 13th ACES Awards held in Kuala Lumpur, several Filipino companies received recognition. This proved their commitment to providing quality service to the people.

Among the sea of winners are several visionaries and renowned names in the manufacturing and retail industries in the Philippines.

Libro Espresso

Cafe chain Libro Espresso was recognized as one of the visionary startups in Asia.

Menia & Berania Co., operating under the Libro Espresso banner, is known for delivering quality service alongside delicious specialty coffee.

Beyond your daily cup of joe, Libro Espresso views coffee as an art form that brings people together. Each beverage bought helps foster conversations. Coffee becomes a catalyst for a warm, inviting third space where communities can take a break amid life's busy hustle.

Integrated into its corporate strategy is its commitment to ethics, from sourcing and trade to environmentally responsible growth.

Libro Espresso collaborates with ethical coffee growers, fair-trade cooperatives, and local agricultural suppliers. This commitment ensures equitable pricing, transparency in farm-to-cup operations, and sustainable farming methods.

Libro Espresso advances its reading, learning, and community empowerment advocacy by operating community library spaces integrated into its cafes.

The organization furthers their literacy advocacy through the Reading Awareness Program, which promotes reading among students.

The brand also runs a book-lending initiative called Libro Plus, which extends its collection beyond the four corners of its cafes.

Through its initiatives, Libro Espresso pushes the boundaries for specialty coffee enterprises, driven by purpose and fueled by advocacy.

Century Pacific Food, Inc.

Century Pacific Food, Inc. (CNPF) won the Green Innovation Award and Community Initiative Award at the 13th ACES Awards.

CNPF focuses on providing accessible, nutritious protein sources to low- and middle-income segments of society. Its wide portfolio spans food categories including processed marine, meat, milk, coconut, plant-based, and pet food products.

It is known for manufacturing some of the popular products among Filipino households, such as Century Tuna, 555 Sardines, Argentina, and Birch Tree Fortified.

CNPF has worked towards innovation. They also own the plant-based brands unMEAT and Loma Linda, which provide alternative protein sources for people with different lifestyles and food preferences.

These are made with sustainable manufacturing practices.

The company also has several initiatives across different sectors of society. In 2025, it helped underserved communities by delivering three million servings of dairy.

Its Padagos Bulan project supports more than 600 fisherfolk by promoting sustainable fishing practices and livelihood development.

Mr. Diy Philippines (Bricolage Philippines, Inc.)

Bricolage Philippines, Inc., operating under Mr. DIY Philippines, received the Industry Champions of the Year recognition and the Green Initiative Award at the 13th ACES Awards.

They have made an impact in the Philippine retail scene through their accessibility and customer-first approach.

It has helped many Filipinos by democratizing access to affordable home improvement and daily essential products. Mr. DIY stores offer a wide array of merchandise, including hardware, household goods, stationery, electrical goods, and sports equipment.

Mr. DIY Philippines’ massive scale is driven by their operational strategy and supply chain. Their efficient supply chain empowers the company to provide substantial savings to consumers while maintaining service standards.

It has established its presence not only in Metro Manila but also in other major urban centers, provincial hubs, and rural communities. The company’s expansion efforts bring vitality to localities and municipalities by stimulating their economies through employment opportunities.

Beyond their services, Bricolage Philippines, Inc. implements corporate social responsibility programs, including community outreach, environmental initiatives, and localized relief efforts.

They also partner with diverse institutions (non-profit organizations, local governments, and schools) to support advocacies for education, disaster preparedness, and community rehabilitation projects.

With the combination of affordability, variety, and community care, Bricolage Philippines, Inc. continues to make its mark in the Philippines.

Northern Cement Corporation

Northern Cement Corporation (NCC) received a Sustainability Rising Star Award at the 13th ACES Awards.

Regarded as one of the premier cement manufacturing companies in the Philippines, it has been a key player in supporting the Philippines’ infrastructure and real estate industries.

The company is regarded for their high-performance production of Portland and blended cements. These are made while considering structural strength, durability, and long-term performance.

NCC practices green construction by combining eco-friendly manufacturing technologies with low-carbon production practices, all while maintaining quality.

They are committed to innovating while championing sustainability by lowering their carbon footprint and advancing the circular economy.

To ensure that the company follows through on its commitment, it has invested in “modernizing its kiln systems, optimizing thermal energy efficiency, and incorporating alternative raw materials and fuels through co-processing.”

Using industrial by-products and other agricultural wastes has helped NCC reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and minimize its greenhouse gas emissions. These measures help the company promote sustainable resource recovery.

NCC practices community stewardship through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and social development and management programs (SDMP):

• Tree-planting and reforestation activities
• Protecting local biodiversity and watersheds
• Supporting rural infrastructure
• Funding local education and skills training
• Delivering medical support to its neighboring barangays

Its latest achievement at the 13th ACES Awards proves that traditional industries can change and reconsider their practices towards sustainability.