PEZA Launches SuRGE to Boost Ecozone Sustainability

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) launched its pioneering Sustainability Reporting Guide for Exporters (SuRGE) on May 13, aiming to embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into the country’s ecozone operations.

SuRGE is the result of a 2022 memorandum of understanding between PEZA and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), supported by the Swiss Embassy and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

“In line with our government’s commitment of embracing a green economy, SuRGE reinforces PEZA’s broader initiatives towards creating a smarter and sustainable business environment for investors and our people,” said PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga during the launch.

Developed over three years, SuRGE introduces a voluntary sustainability reporting mechanism for non-publicly listed Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) operating within ecozones.

It aligns with Industry 4.0 priorities and supports the Philippines’ international commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and equity-focused ESG frameworks.

“More than a compliance mechanism, SuRGE has evolved into a practical, forward-thinking guide for exporters to communicate their sustainability impacts, challenges, and progress,” Panga said. “It is a roadmap for transformation—one that enables businesses to achieve sustainable growth while upholding social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and ethical excellence.”

PEZA accounts for nearly 60% of the country’s annual exports of goods and services and a large share of foreign direct investments, positioning it as a critical driver of sustainable industrial development.

The framework’s pilot rollout from 2025 to 2026 will include 20 to 50 manufacturing RBEs—primarily top exporters to the U.S. and EU—testing a “comply or explain” model for reporting.

RBEs will either submit GRI-based sustainability reports or explain non-compliance, with feedback used to improve policies and training support.

Capacity-building workshops will accompany the pilot, equipping RBEs with foundational knowledge on sustainability and ESG reporting.

Full participation will be secured through commitment forms, and external experts will provide technical guidance.

In the 2026–2027 scale-up phase, SuRGE will expand to include more participants and other sectors, adjusting based on pilot outcomes and policy insights.

A key component of SuRGE’s development is PEZA’s collaboration with sustainability expert Engr. Richard Michael Dimagiba, who will help consolidate the agency’s Sustainability Framework.

Dimagiba, backed by former Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ed Sunico, will also assist with GRI reporting, oversee the 2026 PEZA Sustainability Awards, and support ESG-related training through the PEZA Academy.

Deliverables under the agreement include the PEZA Sustainability Playbook and an executive report to guide future initiatives.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has publicly supported such initiatives, saying, “We can never lose sight of our responsibility to the future. The economic agenda cannot and will not ever be incompatible with our climate change agenda.”

Echoing this, DG Panga added, “First and foremost, we want to protect the environment for our future generations! We at PEZA want to be an example to the world that industrial growth can be achieved without a negative impact to communities and the areas within and around the ecozones.”

“With shifting global market demands, sustainability and adaptability are no longer optional—they are critical for long-term resilience and success,” he said.

SuRGE aims to future-proof Philippine industries by fostering inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive practices through green technologies and reduced ecological impact.