Government and private sector environmental advocates urged the adoption of digital technologies to transform industries and government bureaucracies into sustainable enterprises.

In the recently held virtual Earth Day forum organized by Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) and Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST), DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh said, “We can really look at information communication technology so that we can accelerate our climate action.”

“ICT is very relevant in climate monitoring. Information pertaining to climate, weather, precipitation, pollution and disasters is critically important in understanding climate change and its impact on the environment,” Teh said.

Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship convenor Dr. Carlos Primo David pointed out, “Businesses possess the same characteristics that are required to solve environmental and societal problems, such as being more efficient, using monitoring and evaluation tools, key performance indicators, putting in risk management processes, and, most importantly, embracing technology and innovation in the process.”

“We encourage the private sector to further expand their sustainability efforts, work with the government, and directly address the sustainability of the country and of the entire planet,” David said.

In the same forum, Globe Telecom Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications and Chief Sustainability Officer Ms. Yoly C. Crisanto said, “As a catalyst for developing the economy, we are for digitalization and transformation of industries.”

“Globe has been leading in the digital transformation through its various products like Gcash, Konsulta MD, Tele health, telemedicine. Stakeholder engagement in terms of our management systems is now a more systemic approach,” Crisanto said.

Stratbase ADRi president Prof. Dindo Manhit said, “The synergy of good policy, all-sectoral cooperation, and innovative technologies will create a sustainable economic culture that will build inclusive prosperity by responsibly harnesses our natural resources, effectively controlling pollution, integrating energy-efficient infrastructures, and administered under good governance and upright social values,”

“The Philippines must pursue a “green” and sustainable economy that would harness new innovations and strategies for economic growth, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and public health,” Manhit said.