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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider SwissCham Philippines advances circular economy for climate resilience at 2025 AGM & Sustainability Forum

SwissCham Philippines advances circular economy for climate resilience at 2025 AGM & Sustainability Forum

Published Nov 24, 2025 01:25 pm
The Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham Philippines) gathered members, government leaders, and business partners at its 2025 Annual General Membership (AGM) Meeting and Sustainability Forum, held at Fairmont Makati. The event underscored the importance of innovation, partnerships, and circular economy practices in driving climate resilience and sustainable growth.
With the theme “Scaling Circular Economy Solutions for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth,” the forum featured insights from Swiss and Philippine leaders on building a greener, more resilient future through public-private collaboration.
In her chairperson’s report, Christine Fajardo highlighted SwissCham’s renewed focus on governance, sustainability, advocacy, partnerships, and membership value.
“SwissCham exists to connect, enable, and grow businesses between the Philippines and Switzerland,” Fajardo said. “Our purpose is to promote trade, innovation, and sustainable growth — grounded in our core values of innovation, integrity, and impact.”
Opening the Sustainability Forum, Dr. Nicolas Brühl, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines, reaffirmed Switzerland’s dedication to sustainability and collaboration.
“Together, let us remain steadfast in our shared commitment to building a future where business opportunities, economic growth, and environmental stewardship advance hand in hand, and where the circular economy is not merely an aspiration but a living reality embraced by every Filipino and every Swiss,” said Ambassador Brühl.
Christine Fajardo, Chairperson of Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, shares her Chairperson’s report.
Christine Fajardo, Chairperson of Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, shares her Chairperson’s report.
Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission
Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Deputy Commissioner Agaton Uvero
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Deputy Commissioner Agaton Uvero
Minco Domingo, Cresenciano Maramot, Michael Alzona, Christine Fajardo, BOC Deputy Commissioner Agaton Uvero, Ambassador Nicolas Brühl, Deputy Head of Mission Hans-Christian Baumann, FDA Director General Paolo Teston, Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury, Daniela San Agustin, Jose Uy III, and Ann Lim
Minco Domingo, Cresenciano Maramot, Michael Alzona, Christine Fajardo, BOC Deputy Commissioner Agaton Uvero, Ambassador Nicolas Brühl, Deputy Head of Mission Hans-Christian Baumann, FDA Director General Paolo Teston, Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury, Daniela San Agustin, Jose Uy III, and Ann Lim
Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, Chairperson of the House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals
Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, Chairperson of the House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals
Cresenciano Maramot, Michael Alzona, Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury, Christine Fajardo, Senator Pia Cayetano, Swiss Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Hans-Christian Baumann, Daniela San Agustin, Ann Lim, Jose Uy III, and Minco Domingo of the SwissCham PH Board of Directors
Cresenciano Maramot, Michael Alzona, Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury, Christine Fajardo, Senator Pia Cayetano, Swiss Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Hans-Christian Baumann, Daniela San Agustin, Ann Lim, Jose Uy III, and Minco Domingo of the SwissCham PH Board of Directors
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Paolo Teston
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Paolo Teston
Philippine Leaders on Circular Solutions:
Senator Pia Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Innovation, and Futures Thinking, delivered the keynote, emphasizing practical approaches to sustainable growth through circular economy solutions, including long-term planning, community engagement, and strong public-private partnerships.
Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission, stressed that circularity, sustainability, and resilience together create enduring systems that align business success with environmental protection.
Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, Chairperson of the House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, reinforced this urgency, noting that “climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a daily reality.”
Director General Paolo Teston of the Food and Drug Administration and Deputy Commissioner Agaton Uvero of the Bureau of Customs highlighted ongoing digitalization and modernization programs that enhance regulatory efficiency and ease of doing business.
A dynamic panel discussion moderated by Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury brought together: Atty. Jonas Leones, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs, DENR; Dr. Allinnettes Adigue, Head of ASEAN Regional Network, Global Reporting Initiative; Samuel Manlosa Jr., SVP and Head of Geocycle, Holcim Philippines; Mauricio Alarcón, Chairman and CEO, Nestlé Philippines.
The panel reinforced how policy alignment, transparency, and innovation can accelerate the transition toward a sustainable and inclusive economy.

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