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ECOP

Sustainable Businesses
Depend on a Healthy Planet

Because the future of business is no longer just about profit, it’s about the planet, people, and purpose too. 

At ECOP, we believe sustainability isn’t a side strategy – it’s the ultimate strategy.

What is ESG

Environment

This pillar refers to the company’s impacts on the planet. Think of your carbon emissions, waste management system, and resource consumption.

Social

This pillar refers to the company’s impacts on people. Think of your workers, clients, customers, communities, and suppliers.

Grow

Foster meaningful growth that benefits the economy and society, creating lasting impact 

Understanding ESG

ESG guides businesses to operate responsibly in three key areas: environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and good governance.

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ESG principles are embedded in global standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS S1 & S2).

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On a national level, ESG reporting is required by the Securities and Exchange Commission via Memorandum Circula 04.-19.

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These frameworks provide companies with guidelines for measuring, managing, and reporting their impacts.

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For Philippine firms, adopting ESG aligns operations with global best practices, helps access international markets, and demonstrates a commitment to responsible business conduct.

Clarifying Key Sustainability Acronyms

Having a clear understanding of the concepts below is important in sustainability discussions for companies: 

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ESG (Environment, Social, Governance)

Framework for assessing a company’s sustainability practices.

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SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

Global goals set by the UN to address urgent environmental, social, and economic challenges.

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SRI (Socially Responsible Investing)

Investment strategy considering ethical, social, and environmental goals alongside financial returns.

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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Company initiatives to assess and take responsibility for its societal impact.

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RBC (Responsible Business Conduct)

Expectation for businesses to avoid and address negative impacts (including in their supply chains), while making a positive contribution to the economic, social, and environmental goals.

Key Benefits of ESG Adoption

Risk Management

ESG helps businesses identify and address environmental, social, and governance risks, making companies more resilient to disruptions like natural disasters, labor disputes, or regulatory changes.

Regulatory Compliance

ESG adoption ensures companies are prepared to meet existing and future regulations, including the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) mandatory sustainability reporting for all publicly listed firms by 2028.

Long-Term Value Creation

Companies that integrate ESG attract more investment, build stronger brands, and create value for all stakeholders—including employees, customers, communities, and shareholders.

ECOP ESG Programs & Services

Empowering Philippine enterprises to lead in sustainability, compliance, and global competitiveness.
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Training & Capacity-Building

Modular training, workshops, and learning sessions on ESG, labor standards, compliance, and sustainable business practices.

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Digital Tools & Resources

Practical tools, checklists, guides, and online support to help companies implement and report on ESG.
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Compliance Support

Advisory services and readiness assessments to help businesses meet Philippine and international ESG standards.

Learn more about ECOP’s ESG Programs & Services

ECOP’s Commitment

As the voice of Philippine employers, ECOP is dedicated to making ESG accessible, practical, and impactful. Our Sustainability Roadmap aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and is designed to help Filipino businesses thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Start Your ESG Journey Today

Build a future-proof business. Join ECOP’s ESG programs, access practical tools, and lead the way in responsible, sustainable growth.

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ESG SERVICES

© 2025  | This platform was developed with the support of the Danish International Development Agency

Edgardo Lacson

Chairman of the Board

Edgardo G. Lacson is currently the Chairman of the Board of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and Director of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). He was formerly President and Honorary Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).  He was the President of ECOP from 2010 to 2016. Ed Lacson also serves as the President of various business firms, including MIS Maritime Corporation, Safe Seas Shipping Agency, Marine Industrial Supply Corporation, and EML Realty. He serves as Chairman of Metrostore Corporation, MIL Export Philippines, Beacon Environmental Management Services and Primelode, among others.

He is likewise Trustee of both the De La Salle Canlubang, Inc. and Philippine Petroleum Sea Transport Association (PHILPESTA), Managing Director of Link Edge, and a member of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Philippine Interisland Shipping Association (PISA), and Makati Business Development Council (MBDC).

An alumnus of then De La Salle College and now De La Salle University where he earned his degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce (BSC) Major in Accounting, Ed Lacson indeed through the years has expanded his horizons.

Edgardo Lacson serves as Honorary Chairman at PCCI. His previous business affiliations include the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Marine Chemical Corporation, VLK Traders Philippines, Inc., and Esso Standard Eastern.