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Makati City, Philippines – As climate challenges intensify and the global shift toward green economies accelerates, the partnership between Europe and the Philippines has never been more vital. From clean energy to circular economies, European and Filipino stakeholders are joining forces with a shared vision: sustainability not as a buzzword, but as a blueprint for the future.

This vision was brought to life during the 2025 Sustainability Forum and Europa Awards, organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP). Government leaders, business champions, and sustainability advocates convened to align ongoing efforts with the European Green Deal and the Philippine Development Plan.

In his remarks, ECCP President Paulo Duarte emphasized that sustainability must not only be a policy objective but also a business imperative. He underscored the crucial role of business in driving sustainable transformation through investments in renewable energy, green supply chains, and responsible business practices. 

"Our country’s leadership in climate action, as reflected in its ranking in the Climate Change Performance Index 2025, presents a unique opportunity for deeper collaboration in key areas such as renewable energy, climate-smart investments, and green financing," said Duarte.

ECCP 2025 Sustainability Whitebook: A Green Blueprint

During the forum, ECCP Executive Florian Gottein presented the Chamber’s 2025 Sustainability Whitebook, a comprehensive report outlining actionable and forward-looking recommendations to accelerate the country’s green transition.

The Whitebook also outlines key recommendations for accelerating the Philippines’ green transition – a core focus being the country’s clean energy transition, with the Chamber calling for a stronger push to scale up renewable energy adoption and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This includes advocating for the expedited development of RE projects, energy storage solutions, and smart and green transmission systems. 

Beyond energy, the Whitebook also covers broader sustainability themes including Digitalization for Sustainability, Waste and Water Management, Green Buildings, Green LGUs, and Circular Economy, and Water Resource Management. The ECCP supports the effective implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act and encourages public-private collaboration on waste management solutions. Additionally, it calls for infrastructure decarbonization strategies and upskilling of the workforce—particularly in STEM fields—to ensure a future-ready, sustainable economy.

“Through this Whitebook, we aim to provide actionable recommendations that support forward-thinking policies, encourage green investments, and empower businesses to embed sustainability into their core strategies,” said Gottein.

Scaling Sustainability

In a keynote message, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Director Al Orolfo emphasized the government's call for deeper collaboration to realize the country’s circular economy goals and strengthen climate resilience.

“To advance our circular economy initiatives effectively, we emphasize that collaborative engagement is the key. As we gather today, I urge all stakeholders – from government agencies and the private sector to civil society and local communities – to work together in fostering an ecosystem of innovation and shared responsibility,” said Orolfo.

He highlighted the Philippines’ partnerships under the EU Green Economy Programme, the development of the National Adaptation Plan, and updates to the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—all of which require a united effort across sectors.

“Moreover, we should foster collaborative platforms that enable knowledge exchange on circular economy practices both locally and globally,” Orolfo added. “We have much to learn from global leaders while also sharing our own experiences and success stories in the realm of sustainability.”

Echoing the same statement, Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the need for global collaboration and private sector leadership in addressing the climate crisis. Reflecting on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, he stressed that sustainability has become a “pillar of every government's economic plan, particularly in Southeast Asia.”

Borje further highlighted the Philippines’ NDC commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, noting that 72.29% of the target is dependent on international support. The implementation, he said, would require an estimated USD 72 billion, with the energy sector estimated to require US$36.5 billion, followed by the transport sector, with needs estimated at almost US$33 billion.

The updated NDC Implementation Plan under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. includes cross-sector convergence for emissions reduction, the launch of a Gender Action Plan, and a Just Transition Strategy to retrain workers affected by the green transition.

Lastly, Borje called on the European Union to continue its leadership in global climate action, noting the EU’s critical role in promoting investments, renewable technologies, and sustainable finance. He also stressed the need for collaboration, cooperation, and partnership as critical forces that will determine the success of the Philippines’ sustainability journey, and invited the private sector to become partners in implementing green and climate-smart initiatives that can empower local communities.

“Together, we can explore avenues for collaboration, such as supporting programs that will allow investment-led, accelerated, just, and equitable transition toward the goal of reducing our emissions,” Borje concluded.

Recognizing players in the sustainability movement

During the 2025 Europa Awards, the ECCP unveiled its newest set of champions who are heeding the call for greener business operations. The winning companies in their respective categories are:

• Clean and Green Energy: Siemens Energy

• Digitalisation for Sustainability: Cloudstaff

• Water Resource Management: The Bellevue Resort Bohol 

• Waste Management: HMR Philippines

• Green Buildings: Arcadis Philippines Inc.

• Green Local Government Units: Iloilo City Government

Now in its 4th year, the Europa Awards continues its tradition of honoring European and non-European companies operating in the country for their exceptional performance and contributions in promoting sustainability in line with the European Commission's efforts on the European Green Deal and the Philippines' long-term goal to attain AmBisyon Natin 2040. 

Also speaking at the event were Department of Energy Philippines Assistant Secretary Hon. Mario Marasigan; German Embassy Manila Deputy Head of Mission Mathias Kruse; International Finance Corporation Global Lead for the Building Resilience Index Program Ommid Saberi; PMFTC Security and Market Safety Manager Engr. Dean Cris Acabo; Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities Senior Policy Advisor Atty. Pete Maniego Jr.; Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines VP for Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada; Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance Inc. Vice President for Internal Affairs Ruth Yu-Owen; NEO Co-Managing Director and Chief Sustainability Officer Gie Garcia; and Nestlé Philippines Head of Sustainability and Assistant Vice President Meg Santos. The event was hosted by One News Anchor Regina Lay.

The 2025 Sustainability Forum and Europa Awards is organized together with Co-Presenter PMFTC; Sustainability Lead Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines; Sustainability Supporter Phil Ecology Systems Corp.; Advocacy Partner First Gen Corporation; Event Supporter Crown Asia Chemicals Corporation; Official Tabulator SGV & Co.; Sustainability Partners Austrian Embassy in Manila, Embassy of Denmark in the Philippines, Embassy of Finland Manila, Embassy of Hungary in the Philippines, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Philippines, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, Embassy of Romania in the Philippines, Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in Manila, and Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines; Trophy Partner Nazareno/Lichauco for Zacarias1925; Venue Partner Raffles and Fairmont Makati; and Media Partners ONE News and iMPACT.