The SGV Sustainability team participated in the Philippine Net Zero Conference 2025 on 18 September 2025 at SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City. Organized by the Net Zero Carbon Alliance with the Southeast Asia Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx), the event aimed to equip participating Philippine companies with tools, strategies, and partnerships to overcome grid limitations, financing gaps, and regulatory challenges in achieving a net zero future.
Keynotes and panel insights were delivered by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael “Popo” Lotilla, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin, and 1st District Bukidnon Representative and Low Carbon Economy Investment Bill Co-author Congressman Jose Manuel Alba.
SGV Sustainability Leader Benjamin N. Villacorte moderated a plenary on net zero transition opportunities with panelists Arthaland Corporation Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Oliver Chan, MUFG Bank Managing Director and Deputy Head of ESG Finance Amanpreet Singh, and Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, Japan (OECC) General Manager and Board Director Makoto Kato. They shared insights on green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, climate lending, and technical assistance, underscoring how sustainability drives competitiveness, customer loyalty, and investor confidence despite financing hurdles.
SGV Sustainability Principal Bonar A. Laureto joined a plenary on the role of business in delivering the Philippines’ climate goals with SM Prime AVP and Chief Sustainability Officer Abby Bonita, First Philippine Holdings Chief Sustainability Officer Agnes de Jesus, and Holcim Philippines Inc. Chief Sustainability Officer Jill Iris Ramos, moderated by Unilever Philippines Assistant Sustainability Manager Regina Unson-Silerio. Bonar emphasized approaching sustainability from risk and strategy perspectives, investing in emerging decarbonization technologies, and securing multilateral funding and support to help achieve the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
The SGV team also showcased the Firm’s sustainability and decarbonization initiatives in an exhibitor spotlight, represented by SGV Senior Associate Raymond R. Paras, alongside SGV Senior Director Laurence Lloyd L. Lumagbas, SGV Director Joyce Anne A. Soriano, SGV Associate Director Zoe Aurora H. Romero, and SGV Senior Associate Merylle Vim B. Pascual.
