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Charting the Green Path: Leaders Gather for the Philippine 2026 Sustainability Now Forum

Writer: Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines
Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines
Aug 12
3 min read

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The 3rd Philippine Sustainability Now Forum concluded last July 16, 2026 at the Alphaland Makati Place, bringing together top industry leaders, policy experts, and sustainability advocates for a dynamic day of insight, connection, and action. Held at the Kawayan and Balete Ballrooms, the forum and luncheon served as a crucial launchpad for navigating the challenges and unlocking the vast opportunities within the country’s growing sustainable market.


From adopting modern compliance frameworks to taking a collective Sustainability Pledge, participants gained practical strategies to future-proof their business operations while driving positive environmental impact.


(Left to right) Dax Belasoto of the University of the Philippines; Antonio Traversa, VP Visayas of ICCPI; H.E. Massimo Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines; Miles Ballestar, VP Luzon of ICCPI
(Left to right) Dax Belasoto of the University of the Philippines; Antonio Traversa, VP Visayas of ICCPI; H.E. Massimo Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines; Miles Ballestar, VP Luzon of ICCPI

The forum featured an incredible lineup of guests, government leaders, and key sector figures who delivered compelling keynote addresses and special messages:


  • H.E. Massimo Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines

  • Atty. Sharon S. Garin, Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Atty. Javey Francisco, Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

  • Mr. Ferdinand "Perry" Ferrer, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  • Mr. Rommel Antonio O. Cuenca, Deputy Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission (CCC)

  • Mr. Peter Sy, VP for Digital Transformation at the University of the Philippines


Atty. Sharon S. Garin, Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE)
Atty. Sharon S. Garin, Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE)

Industry heavyweights also shared valuable perspectives during session talks, including Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar (Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer, Aboitiz Equity Ventures), Suyin Liu (VP and Head of Sustainability, SM Investments & SM Retail), Ace Estrada (Founder, Rural Rising PH), and Atty. Roel Refran (COO, Philippine Stock Exchange).


Peter Sy, VP for Digital Transformation at the University of the Philippines
Peter Sy, VP for Digital Transformation at the University of the Philippines

The forum tackled the most pressing issues shaping the modern eco-economy, with an emphasis on EESG compliance, circular economy, sustainable tourism, and green infrastructure.


Ace Estrada, Founder of Rural Rising Ph
Ace Estrada, Founder of Rural Rising Ph

Two standout panel sessions sparked high-impact dialogue:


  1. Energy Transition: Waste to Energy & Clean Solutions

Moderated by Dax Belasoto (UP), this panel explored practical pathways toward clean energy and waste management. Key insights were provided by:


  • Erwin Kenneth Peralta, VP of Investment Promotions & Marketing, BCDA

  • Alexander Ablaza, President of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance


Rommel Antonio O. Cuenca, Deputy Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) of the Philippines
Rommel Antonio O. Cuenca, Deputy Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) of the Philippines

  1. Sustainable Finance: Funding the Future

Moderated by Michele Bonnano (Director, Design Tech Experts), expert panelists unraveled capital strategies, green bonds, and banking frameworks necessary to fund eco-friendly ventures. Speakers included:


  • Ellen Joyce L. Suficiencia, Director of the Sustainability Office, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

  • Jonathan Martinez, Senior Manager & Sustainable Finance Officer, Security Bank Corporation

  • John Francis T. Diaz, Program Director (International MBA), Asian Institute of Management

  • Rishel Dharmapall, PPP Expert & Green Infrastructure Output Leader, Expertise France (EU-PH Green Economy Partnership)


(Left to right) Rishel Dharmapall, PPP Expert and Green Infrastructure Output Leader at Expertise France, European Union-Philippines Green Economy Partnership; Jonathan Martinez, Senior Manager and Sustainable Finance Officer of Security Bank Corporation; John Francis T. Diaz, Program Director of the International Master in Business Administration at the Asian Institute of Management; Ellen Joyce L. Suficiencia, Director of the Sustainability Office at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); and Michele Bonnano, Director of Design Tech Experts
(Left to right) Rishel Dharmapall, PPP Expert and Green Infrastructure Output Leader at Expertise France, European Union-Philippines Green Economy Partnership; Jonathan Martinez, Senior Manager and Sustainable Finance Officer of Security Bank Corporation; John Francis T. Diaz, Program Director of the International Master in Business Administration at the Asian Institute of Management; Ellen Joyce L. Suficiencia, Director of the Sustainability Office at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); and Michele Bonnano, Director of Design Tech Experts

As the Philippines accelerates its push toward a resilient, low-carbon future, events like the Philippine Sustainability Now Forum prove that true progress happens when public policy, corporate strategy, and community action align. Attendees left not only with fresh insights and powerful connections, but with a renewed commitment to lead the nation's green transformation.


(Left to right) Atty. Noel Baga, Energy Laws & Regulations at University of the Philippines- Diliman; Ferdinand Ferrer, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines; Antonio Traversa, VP Visayas of ICCPI; Ma. Margarita S. Mejia, President of The National Association of Business Permits and Licensing Officers (NABPLO); Miles Ballestar, VP Luzon of ICCPI; Dax Belasoto of the University of the Philippines 
(Left to right) Atty. Noel Baga, Energy Laws & Regulations at University of the Philippines- Diliman; Ferdinand Ferrer, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines; Antonio Traversa, VP Visayas of ICCPI; Ma. Margarita S. Mejia, President of The National Association of Business Permits and Licensing Officers (NABPLO); Miles Ballestar, VP Luzon of ICCPI; Dax Belasoto of the University of the Philippines 

Stay ahead of the green transformation. Follow our page to receive updates on upcoming sustainability workshops, policy insights, and details for next year's Philippine Sustainability Now Forum!


Written by Mikaela Olanday

 
 
 

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