The interconnectedness of challenges in public health, the economy, and the environment cannot be ignored. These have hampered global economic growth and punctuated the importance and urgency of building a more sustainable and resilient future. However, according to the University of Oxford and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), out of the $14.6 trillion government-committed spending by the 50 largest economies in 2020, only 2.5% were for programs that likely contributed to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, lower pollution, and restoring degraded natural systems. 

In the Philippines, there has been an increasing reason to pursue a “green” and sustainable economy that tackles prevailing issues such as economic growth, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and public health. Through effective and efficient policies, and systems, and in doing business, aid by innovative technologies, we can responsibly and efficiently utilize our natural resources, eliminate pollution, permit real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, and integrate energy-efficient infrastructures

The private sector, without a doubt, plays a vital role in advancing the country’s sustainable development. With its initiatives across the Environment, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) principles, businesses actively lead in achieving a sustainable future by pushing for green and sustainable investments, responsible and efficient business operations and reporting, and controlling pollution generation. These are also aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of promoting responsible consumption and production. Hence, every private sector-led initiative grounded on ESG holds a promise of a better and more sustainable future that generates positive long-term returns for the economy, society, and the environment.

At the same time, however, we recognize that the private sector alone cannot address the far-reaching changes that sustainability will require. The government, and with the help of civil society’s lenses, should set the much-needed responsive policies and frameworks that are conducive to doing business while ensuring compliance with ESG principles. 

In line with this year’s Earth Day Celebration, the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST), organized a virtual town hall discussion (vTHD) entitled, “Moving Towards A Sustainable Future Through ESG” held on 21 April 2021, Wednesday.

This virtual event sough to serve as a platform for the private sector to highlight their ESG initiatives, specifically their efforts in pushing for “green” investments and incorporating ESG principles into their business operations, reporting, and asset diversifications amid the growing need to create a more sustainable economy.

Program

Opening Remarks
Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Policy Frameworks for Sustainability: Perspectives from the Government

Usec. Analiza Teh
Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

Champions of Environment, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG): Perspectives from the Private Sector

Mr. Antonio del Rosario
Country President, Coca-Cola Philippines

Atty. Joseph Fabul
Country Manager for Corporate and Government Affairs, Mondelēz International

Ms. June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla
Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC)

Ms. Ma. Yolanda Crisanto
Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications and Chief Sustainability Officer, Globe Telecommunications, Inc.

Atty. Renato Salud
Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, JG Summit Holdings, Inc.

Mr. Raymond Ravelo
Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Meralco

Pushing the Sustainability Agenda: Perspectives from Civil Society

Mr. Ludwig Federigan
Executive Director, Young Environmental Forum

Mr. Renato Redentor Constantino
Executive Director, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities

Closing Remarks
Dr. Carlos Primo “CP” David
Trustee and Program Convenor, Stratbase ADR Institute;
Convenor, Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST)

Host & Moderator
Ms. Nazrin Camille Castro
Branch Manager, The Climate Reality Project Philippines