ECOP’s upcoming ESG Program gains momentum with SEC collaboration

by | Aug 6, 2025 | Info Notes

On 11 July 2025, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), led by Director General Mr. Roland Moya and Head of Sustainability and Innovation Unit Ms. Daniella Reyes, held a collaborative meeting with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Corporate Governance and Finance Department (SEC-CGFD), headed by its Director, Ms. Rachel Esther Gumtang-Remalante, to introduce ECOP’s upcoming ESG Program, “Elevate. Sustain.Grow: Good for Business, Great for the Planet,” and align efforts on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance and reporting. This strategic dialogue opened opportunities for deeper collaboration, with a special focus on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in navigating the growing ESG landscape.

The discussion underscored ECOP’s two-pronged approach to ESG capacity building: advocacy and representation, and service development and delivery. ECOP’s ESG program, inspired by its roots in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) work, will launch on 31 July 2025 with services tailored to help MSMEs overcome barriers such as technical complexity and cost. It aims to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to meet evolving global and local standards, while also fostering a culture of responsible and inclusive growth.

Both organizations underscored their shared vision to amplify impact and help more businesses not only meet compliance requirements but also thrive as leaders in sustainability. Looking ahead, ECOP and SEC have agreed to solidify their collaboration through various means. This includes formalizing their partnership via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and organizing joint awareness initiatives—especially targeted at preparing MSMEs for evolving ASEAN and EU sustainability requirements.

As ECOP celebrates its 50th year, this milestone serves as a powerful reminder of its enduring commitment to lead Philippine employers through transformative change. By fostering strong partnerships like the one with SEC and championing forward-looking programs on sustainability, ECOP continues to shape a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready business landscape—building on five decades of progress and paving the way for the next generation of responsible enterprises in the Philippines.

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.