It began with a simple question posed during the lonely days of the pandemic: “What if there was a community for sustainability leaders in the Philippines?”

From that spark, the Society of Sustainability Practitioners (SSP) was born. Five years later, the movement has blossomed into Sustainability PH—a Filipino-led, volunteer-driven network that now counts more than 500 practitioners across sectors. Last Saturday, this story came full circle at the #SustainPinas Fellowship Event, hosted at Monde Nissin’s Gungho Hall in Pasig, where pioneers, partners, and new leaders gathered to mark a new chapter.

The organization was founded by Koleen Davila-Palaganas, who has since turned over the reins of leadership to Dave Jesus Devilles. Both are corporate practitioners who share a common goal: to nurture and mentor the next generation of sustainability leaders in the country.

One of the most anticipated moments of the afternoon was the keynote of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, who drew a powerful parallel between sustainability and governance. Both, he said, demand persistence in the face of challenges. “Sustainability and good governance have the same difficult job. It is especially challenging but not impossible. Stay the course and despite the roadblocks, persevere inch by inch if you have to. Before you know it, you are already there. No matter what field you are in or your sphere of influence, sana magkaisa tayo. Let’s work together for a better future,” he urged the audience.

Sotto’s words resonated deeply with practitioners who know that systemic change often moves slowly, but that collective resolve can accelerate progress. His message was both a challenge and a call to unity: reform is possible, but only if Filipinos persevere together.

The fellowship also became a stage for renewal. Mayor Sotto led the induction and oath-taking of the new officers of Sustainability PH, who pledged to uphold integrity, transparency, and collective resilience. With right hands raised, they vowed to reject defeatism and “stand as living proof of change… champions of sustainability for a sustainable Philippines”

The new leaders are Dave Devilles (President and Chief Sustainability Adviser), Shawntel Nieto (Vice President), David Pagulayan (COO), Dianne Llarena-Uboan (Deputy COO), Christopher “Toffee” Perez (Treasurer), Laurence Lumagbas (Director for Capacity), Russel Patina (Director of Strategic Communications), Atty. Ian Andal (Corporate Secretary), and Stephanie Mae Talacay (Project Manager).

In his remarks, President Devilles emphasized that sustainability cannot be reduced to technicalities or jargon—it must begin with people.

“Sustainability at its core is about people. We often speak of the ‘triple bottom line’—People, Planet, and Profit. But let’s be honest: it starts with People. When we capacitate people, the solutions for the planet can be found. When communities are empowered, profit becomes more inclusive and responsible. And when human dignity is at the center, sustainability becomes more than a buzzword—it becomes a lived reality.”

Energy surged as the event spotlighted new partnerships. Climate Fresk Philippines, JCI Philippines, Asia Engine for Net Zero, and Prometheus PH formally joined hands with Sustainability PH through a ceremonial signing. Each alliance was celebrated not with stiff protocol but with cheers, applause, and chants led by the master of ceremonies:

Climate Fresk Philippines, for turning climate science into action;

JCI Philippines, the powerhouse of youth leadership;

Asia Engine for Net Zero, driving regional decarbonization; and

Prometheus PH, a PR and marketing force from Western Visayas proving that storytelling fuels change

Beyond the speeches and ceremonies, the #SustainPinas Fellowship felt less like a corporate conference and more like a reunion of changemakers—a space to reconnect, celebrate, and recommit. Alumni swapped stories of resilience, young leaders found mentors, and partners discovered allies. At its heart, the event echoed its founding ethos: sustainability for Filipinos, by Filipinos—with the Philippines always in mind.

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The Society of Sustainability Practitioners Philippines, Inc. (Sustainability PH) is a Filipino-led, volunteer-driven movement dedicated to building a network of sustainability changemakers. Guided by its four pillars—Capacity, Community, Change, and Conversations—it empowers leaders to integrate sustainability across industries and generations. Its mission is to inspire Filipinos to champion good governance, create shared value, and regenerate resources for a more sustainable nation.