Manila Bulletin has been a staunch advocate of sustainability since the first MB Sustainability Forum in 2022. The forum promotes conversations about sustainability and serves as a platform to raise awareness about it.
Last year, the two-day event called for urgency in addressing sustainability with over a thousand online and onsite audiences. Various business leaders gathered to share different insights and sustainability practices that communities and the audience may adopt.
This year, the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum continues its goal of inspiring individuals and bringing together businesses and communities to take action in creating a more sustainable future for our country with its third edition.
With the theme, “Bridging the gap: Forging connections and perspectives on sustainability,” 16 insightful talks will be spread across the two-day forum from corporate executives and industry visionaries of different sectors and fields.
Longstanding partners in advancing the cause
In its third edition, Manila Bulletin is proud to reunite brand partners who have been instrumental in supporting the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum's mission since the initiative began in 2022. These powerhouse brands have brought invaluable insights and expertise to previous forums, inspiring individuals, sparking conversations, and fostering collaborative endeavors to promote sustainability.
Ayala Corporation is the first conglomerate in the Philippines to commit to a target aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, following its 2021 pledge to achieve net zero by 2050.
The Ayala Group’s listed energy platform, ACEN, is also the first energy company in Southeast Asia to complete a net-zero roadmap. Since 2021, ACEN has planted 978,000 trees across its 39 operational sites, nearly reaching its target of one million trees by 2025.
Arthaland, a sustainable real estate developer in the country, has been investing in certified eco-friendly properties that have decreased energy costs, increased asset value, resilience to natural disasters, enhanced indoor conditions, and better air quality that help promote good health and wellbeing.
One of the country’s largest energy producers, AboitizPower, is leading the power sector in conservation initiatives to reduce the negative effects of global power production.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands, widely known as BPI, has been named Best Sustainable Bank in the Philippines by the International Business Magazine Awards for the third time and Best Sustainable Bank in the Philippines by the Finance Asia Awards for five consecutive years now.
Together with the Department of Science and Technology, SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) ventured into a memorandum of understanding promoting the development of sustainable plastic materials and enhances plastic waste management strategies.
Renowned real-estate company Megaworld Corporation has been exerting efforts to achieve its quantitative sustainability targets including building future offices to be LEED-certified, planting and growing two million native and endemic trees, and 100 percent utilization of renewable energy for contestable commercial properties.
The Ascott Limited, a trusted hospitality brand, signed an MOU with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to lead an industry-wide training program in support of Singapore's Hotel Sustainability Roadmap.
One of the largest independent terminal operators across six continents, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), has been devoted to creating efficient and sustainable port facilities through its operations worldwide.
Filinvest, a leading property developer, has been considered the Green Central Business District (CBD) of the Metro South, and its 360 Eco-Loop is the first fully electric transportation system within a private development in the country.
The country’s top retailer for home improvement and construction supplies, Wilcon Depot Inc., provides eco-friendly products and incorporates solar power installations in over 60 percent of its stores.
New collaborators joining the mission
Along with its steadfast partners, the 2024 Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum is proud to welcome new brand partners this year. All of whom share a commitment to forming collaborations and innovative solutions to champion sustainability.
Mondelēz Philippines, Inc., a renowned snack brand for 58 years, integrates the Go Green Project, which aims to reduce the use of resources inside its manufacturing plant and office.
Also joining the third edition of the forum is RLC Residences, which has been committed to developing low-emission, resilient, and green residential spaces and has recently incorporated rainwater catchment systems.
Ayala Land Inc., one of the Philippines' largest property developers, is now shifting its commercial properties to renewable energy by utilizing power purchase agreements and quality renewable energy certificates.
The country’s preeminent development financial institution, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), integrates environmental and social considerations in its operations, including minimizing the environmental impact of internal operations through efficient use of resources.
Mindanao’s front-running sustainable real estate developer, Damosa Land, is the first high-end office building in Mindanao to receive the prestigious EDGE final certification, underscoring the company’s dedication to sustainability and raising the bar higher for sustainable developments in the region.
These brands and corporations from different industries will gather at the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum 2024 not just to amplify the call to increase awareness about sustainability, but also to foster meaningful discussions and create collaborative actions for a more sustainable future. The diverse perspectives and outstanding initiatives of the event’s brand partners will help inspire the future champions of sustainability.
Do not miss the anticipated Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum 2024 on November 19 to 20, 2024, starting at 9 AM, at the Institute of Biology Auditorium, University of the Philippines Diliman. For inquiries, write to [email protected].