PH firms urged to turn net-zero pledges into action

Philippine businesses are being urged to shift from climate pledges to concrete decarbonization plans as the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) prepares to host the second Philippine Net Zero Conference on September 18, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Aura.

Organized in partnership with the Southeast Asia Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx), the one-day, in-person event aims to gather business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to address critical implementation gaps in the country’s climate response.

While the Philippines has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, many companies still lack access to the tools, technologies, and funding needed to achieve measurable results.

“Whether they’re small and medium enterprises tracking emissions for the first time, or large corporations working to reduce supply chain emissions, the challenge is clear: ambition must translate into action,” said Atty Allan V. Barcena, NZCA Executive Director.

The 2025 conference builds on the success of its 2024 debut and will feature sector-focused breakout sessions, peer-driven “fishbowl” discussions, and panels exploring financing mechanisms and innovation pathways.

Confirmed speakers include Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Energy Development Corporation President Jerome Cainglet, Congressman Jose Manuel Alba, Unilever’s Rondell Torres, and First Philippine Holdings Chief Sustainability Officer Agnes de Jesus.

CDx CEO Mark Lister will close the event with a keynote address summarizing regional insights and next steps.

Barcena emphasized the need for continued engagement, stating, “Through continuous and practical dialogue with different leaders, we can help drive both corporate and national progress toward a low-carbon economy.”

Key insights from the conference will guide NZCA’s 2026 strategic agenda, helping translate forum discussions into tangible outcomes.

Launched in 2021 with seven founding members, NZCA now includes nearly 30 member companies from various industries and remains the country’s leading private-sector net-zero platform.

With CDx serving as its knowledge and network partner, NZCA has become central to private-sector efforts aligned with the country’s climate goals.

Registration for the Philippine Net Zero Conference 2025 is available online at netzerocarbonalliance.ph/nzcacon2025.