The COVID-19 pandemic has not only strained the public health care system; it also impeded economic activities that eventually led to a contraction in the economy. The case is true in practically all countries around the world. On the other hand, the situation created a significant improvement in air quality due to reduced movement during the lockdown, which only goes to show the interconnectedness of health, economic activity and the environment. The pandemic revealed the reality that people can no longer go back to the old ways. So, as we navigate towards a new normal, this situational interconnectedness reminds us to keep the environment in mind as we seek to create a more resilient future.

The whole-of-society approach necessitated by the pandemic makes it evident that individuals, businesses, civil society, and government all have a role to play in effecting change. The same is true when it comes to proper solid waste management, especially hazardous wastes from medical applications connected to the pandemic, as well as in pushing for a circular economy post-pandemic. Furthermore, as we look to create jobs and jumpstart the economy through industries such as mining and activities like tree plantations, we must remember the centrality of environmental stewardship in our new normal. This is the path to a green economic recovery – one that is grounded on sustainable, balanced, responsible and holistic practices.

For these reasons, Stratbase ADR Institute partnered with the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship to organize a virtual town hall discussion (vTHD) entitled, “Environmental Stewardship Post-Pandemic: The Path to a Green Economic Recovery”, held earlier today.

This vTHD was a platform for experts in the field to share their insights and knowledge on the need for environmental stewardship and a whole-of-society approach in building a resilient new normal.

Program

Introduction
MR. FRANCESCO “PACO” A. PANGALANGAN
Executive Director, Stratbase ADR Institute

Welcoming Remarks
PROF. DINDO MANHIT
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Speakers

REP. ELPIDIO BARZAGA, JR.
Chairperson, House Committee on Natural Resources

USEC. JUAN MIGUEL CUNA
Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources

USEC. ANALIZA TEH
Undersecretary for Climate Change,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DR. MARLON ERA
Associate Professor, De La Salle University;
Project Director, Social Development Research Center

MR. LUDWIG FEDERIGAN
Executive Director, Young Environmental Forum;
Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase ADR Institute

MS. NAZRIN CAMILLE CASTRO
Branch Manager, The Climate Reality Project (TCRP) Philippines

MR. JOEL PALMA
President and CEO, WWF-Philippines

MS. ANGELA ARNANTE
Team Leader, Advocacy on Liberalizing Policies on Tree Plantations,
Foundation for Economic Freedom

Perspectives from Industry Stakeholders

MS. JONAH DELUMEN-PERNIA
Director for Public Affairs & Communications,
Coca-Cola Philippines

MS. MELODY DEL ROSARIO
Vice President, Public Relations & Corporate Communication,
Metro Pacific Investments Corporation

MR. GUILLAUME LUCCI
President and Chief Operating Officer,
Prime Metroline Infrastructure Holdings Corporation

MR. RAYMOND RAVELO
Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Meralco

MR. RONALD RECIDORO
Executive Director,
Chamber of Mines of the Philippines

MS. MA. VICTORIA TAN
Head, Group Risk Management and Sustainability Unit,
Ayala Corporation