ECOP launches groundbreaking ESG Program for Philippine enterprises

by | Aug 8, 2025 | Info Notes

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) successfully launched its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Program on July 31, 2025, at the Roma Salon of The Manila Hotel. With over 100 participants from various sectors, the event spotlighted ECOP’s commitment to equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to align with global sustainability standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Themed “Elevate. Sustain. Grow: Good for Business, Great for the Planet,” the launch event unveiled a comprehensive suite of services designed to help enterprises implement and report on ESG practices.

Developed with the support of the International Labour Organization and the Confederation of Danish Industry, the ECOP ESG Program features policy advocacy, training, tools, and consultancy services that cut across environment, social responsibility, and governance. The launch event included insights on the global ESG landscape, updates on Philippine standards such as PEZA’s new ESG guidelines, and findings from ECOP’s national ESG baseline study. Key highlights also included the introduction of ECOP’s new ESG subpage, the Carbon Neutral Ready Business program, and innovative tools like DAWN: Diversity Audit for Workplace Needs, and MALKIA, a leadership course for Filipina managers.

Through this initiative, ECOP is not only enabling its members to meet compliance requirements but also positioning Philippine enterprises as active contributors to just transition and sustainable development. By integrating responsible business conduct, occupational safety and health, and inclusive leadership frameworks into the ESG toolkit, ECOP’s approach provides businesses with a strategic advantage in a rapidly changing global economy. The program also reinforces ECOP’s role in policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainability.

Interested companies are now invited to enroll in ECOP’s ESG training programs and explore the tools presented during the launch. Get started by signing up through the following links:

 

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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.