By Carla Mortel Baricaua
The first day of the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum 2023 gathered esteemed corporate partners in an important discussion of initiatives and experiences in integrating the sustainable agenda in their corporate goals.
In a series of talks, the speakers tackled the urgent need to go sustainable by discussing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) namely: fostering responsible production and consumption (SDG 12) and making use of clean, accessible, and affordable energy in today’s society (SG 7).
Under the theme “If not now, when? Addressing the Urgency to go Sustainable,” the forum underlines the need to go sustainable and recognizes the best practices of business leaders in response to the pressing issue.
Manila Bulletin’s Project Lead Philip Cu-Unjieng, in his opening remarks, looked forward to the event’s discussions on sustainability and reiterated its relevance that could spell the difference to the future of today’s youth.
In his keynote speech, DENR Undersecretary Joselin Marcus E. Fragada, representing Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, gave an overview of the country’s vulnerability to climate and disaster risks, the department’s role, and the robust public-private partnerships as drivers of sustainability. He also laid down programs on how the youth can be more engaged with the department and provide opportunities to be active partners to create a positive impact on the environment.
Under the Responsible Consumption and Production category, Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, discussed in detail the Sampaguita Signature Brand of Service of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, the key program of MEGreen sustainability program. In her presentation, Albiso shared how the sampaguita, the Philippines national flower, became Megaworld’s brand symbol in promoting sustainable practices, hospitality, and agriculture as part of their goal of providing a unique experience to their guests.
IKEA Philippines’ Commercial Activity Leader & Online Sales Leader Gerard Perlas discussed their sustainability efforts since they started operations in the country two years ago. “At IKEA, we are committed to have a positive impact on the people and the planet,” said Perlas. He then proceeded to introduce quality home furnishings that are practical and affordable, underscoring the fact that healthy and sustainable living is accessible to most Filipino consumers. These initiatives also show that people can live a more sustainable life at home.
Philip Barnes, the Country General Manager of The Ascott Limited Philippines underlined the importance of making changes toward sustainability as an immediate action. According to Barnes, they are committed to achieving green building certifications as well as operational excellence in terms of sustainability initiatives for the properties in the country. He also introduced Ascott Cares, a sustainability program that is aligned with their growth strategy involving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Faith Quijano, Country Sustainability Champion and Assistant Residence Manager of Citadines Bay City Manila, detailed the hospitality brand’s local community initiatives such as their partnership programs that champions environmental and social causes. They have been collaborating with Gawad Kalinga, Anthill Fabrics, Plastic Flamingo, and Haribon Foundation. She also shared new projects in their establishments such as the cattery and pet adoption drives, among others.
SM Prime’s Assistant Vice President Jessica Sy talked about “Resiliency & Sustainability Leadership: The Future Legacy We Aim for at SM Prime.” She outlined how SM Prime advocates property development with a sustainability framework. In particular, she shared examples of innovations following the holistic approach in sustainability as seen in SMDC properties.
A panel discussion followed by the corporate speakers who were joined by Professor Richard Gonzalo, Assistant Professor, Asian Institute of Tourism, and Dr. Michelle Palumbarit, Director of UP-CIFAL Philippines.
In the next session, the discussion centered on the affordable and clean energy category.
Emmanuel Rubio, the Chief Energy Officer of Aboitiz Power Corporation said, “At Aboitiz Power, we are guided by transforming energy for a better world. With sustainability at the heart of operations, we recognized that social progress, environmental suitability, and economic growth, go hand in hand.
With the 17 SDGs we are even more motivated to fulfill our purpose. We recognized the interconnectedness of these SDGs, and how they serve as a shared blueprint to ensure all people of equal opportunities and lead a better life without compromising our planet. We try our best to integrate the SDGs in our business practices and community engagements because this enables us to bridge gaps and ultimately build prosperity for all.”
Sharon Decapia, the Assistant Vice President for Marketing, PR & Sustainability, Watsons Philippines, then presented how sustainability was the driving force for their company’s goals, practices, and products, as one of the leaders of the health, wellness and beauty retail sector. Under the brand promise of “Look Good, Do Good, and Feel Great,” Decapia discussed the sustainability vision of Watsons Phils. such as reducing environmental impact across the value chain, supporting a holistic, positive societal impact, and providing safe and quality products in promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. Vice President for the Inventory Group Jolan Formalejo, introduced their economic estates and they are leading the way to smart and sustainable industrial development. In achieving this feat, he detailed how the power company was involved in upskilling team members, labor programs, environmental programs with the community, and energy generation through renewable resources. In developing a smart and sustainable industrial estate, he also introduced the application of sustainable design and construction practices, reducing energy demand through open spaces, preserving nature, providing co-living space for locator employees, making use of electric vehicles, applying zero-emission objectives in shipbuilding, the digitalization of operations, and forging partnerships with government agencies and industry leaders.
Eric Francia, President and CEO of ACEN Corporation, then told the audience his and the company’s sustainability journey. Years after entering the energy sector, ACEN Corp., the Ayala power company, then adapted a major shift to renewable energy. It was a difficult task, since it involved letting go of their investments in coal power plants, a major income contributor of the company. After expanding regionally and building up its power portfolio, ACEN Corp. now aims to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia.
Francia also added how the company integrated biodiversity into their operations, practiced circularity by upcycling used plastics to building blocks, and taught waste management in communities, among other projects.
Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Jonathan Catalla of Global Green Growth Institute then joined the panel of speakers for their reactions and questions on the discussed topics.
Held at the Malcolm Hall in the University of the Philippines Diliman, the MB Sustainability Forum 2023 aims to be the country’s foremost venue for corporate partners to gather and create meaningful exchange on sustainability in accordance to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Co-presented by IKEA Philippines, Ayala Corporation, and ACEN Corporation, this year’s major partners include Aboitiz Infracapital Inc., Aboitiz Power Corporation, Acer Philippines Inc., Arthaland Corporation, Coca-Cola Philippines, Filinvest Alabang Inc., Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, NEO, PH Global Jet Express Inc., SM Investments Corporation, The Ascott Limited, University of Philippines Diliman, and Watsons.