Industry leaders to gather at the 2024 Manila Bulletin Sustainability Focus Session


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The inaugural Manila Bulletin Sustainability Focus Session is just around the corner, offering a thrilling opportunity to gain valuable insights into how industries are working together to shape a more sustainable future. Key individuals from the energy and real estate sectors will share their thoughts on sustainability, highlighting initiatives and forward-looking strategies. 

The event will have a morning and an afternoon session, each featuring a panel discussion. Major players in the Philippine energy and real estate sectors will be represented, including Arthaland, Megaworld, AboitizPower, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) Residences, and Ayala Land. 

The morning session will start with a speech to be delivered by the internationally acclaimed architect William Ti Jr., founder and principal architect of WTA Architecture and Design Studio. With global accolades, such as the Jury’s and People’s Choice Awards at the Architizer A+Awards in 2017 and the BCI Asia Top Ten Architectural Firm in 2018, his expertise will set the tone for the day's discussions on eco-conscious infrastructure and community planning. 

William Ti. Jr. will be followed by Oliver Chan, Senior Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer at Arthaland, who will present “Race to 2030: The 1.5°C Challenge.” He will outline how Arthaland is working to curb global warming by reducing emissions by 45 percent by 2023 and achieving net zero by 2050. 

Ronald "Suiee" Suarez, vice president for Corporate Communications at AboitizPower, will share insights on “Navigating the energy transition: A bespoke path for the Philippines,” emphasizing tailor-made solutions to drive the country’s shift toward a sustainable energy future. 

From Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Stanley Jordan Siahetiong, Energy Transition Manager, will discuss “Powering Progress for Shell Philippines.” He will elaborate on Shell’s journey toward becoming a net-zero emissions energy business by 2025. 

The morning session will also feature Megaworld Corporation's sustainable initiatives, with Cleofe C. Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, unveiling the company's latest efforts in sustainable urban development. 

To cap off the morning session, Makati City Mayor Mar-Len Abigail “Abby” Binay will take the stage as a special guest speaker. 

The afternoon session will start off with a keynote speech by Sheila Lobien, Chief Executive Officer of Lobien Realty Group. With extensive experience in real estate, including over a decade at JLL, Lobien’s insights on the evolving landscape of sustainability in the real estate industry will provide valuable knowledge for attendees. 

This will be followed by a discussion with Jessica "Jica" Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SM Development Corporation (SMDC), who will discuss “A Living Framework for Sustainable and Smart City Initiatives.” 

Stephanie Ann Go, Vice President and Business Development and Design Head at RLC Residences, will explore “The Future of Urban Living: Integrating Sustainability in Residential Developments,” shedding light on how the corporation envisions sustainable city living. 

Additionally, Hans Lopez-Vito, Head of Brand Experience & Brand Strategy at Ayala Land, will speak on “Step by Sustainable Step: How Ayala Land Integrates Sustainability into Its Business Model,” highlighting the company's initiatives in creating long-lasting positive impacts through sustainability. 

The afternoon session will conclude with a panel discussion followed by closing remarks from Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, Secretary General of the University of Santo Tomas, who will represent the official venue partner.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from these pioneers in the industry on September 24, 2024, at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom, located within the Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, University of Santo Tomas (UST), Manila.