ECOP advances ESG Awareness through 2024 Learning Series

by | Dec 18, 2024 | Info Notes

The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) recently conducted its learning series on the delivery of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) services. Facilitated by guest speakers from the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO) and the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), the learning series was attended by companies and organizations eager to integrate ESG principles in their delivery of services.

The first session, titled, “Building the ESG Foundation: Linking SDGs to Business Success”, was facilitated by Mr. Jorge Ramírez Mata, Senior Programme Officer from the International Training Centre of the ILO last 20 November 2024. He presented the foundation of the ESG framework with immense focus on how Philippine businesses can align their operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mr. Ramirez emphasized how the ESG framework can benefit companies in both environmental, social, and governance aspects as well as enhance long-term profitability and investor appeal.

Throughout the first session, the participants were actively involved in sharing their insights through presentations that encouraged them to critically think about the ESG framework and its effects on their respective companies. The exchange of ideas during the session produced a collaborative atmosphere, providing the participants an opportunity to look into how the newly introduced principle can be integrated into their business operations, with expert guidance from Mr. Mata. Aside from knowledge and deeper understanding of the principle, the interactive nature of the session allowed the participants to gain practical application of ESG as well through assessments and presentations, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.

The second session, held on 27 November 2024, was conducted in a hybrid setup following the SDG Value Scan Awarding Ceremony. In recognition of the companies’ commitment to uphold their sustainability principles, they were awarded with their Certificate of Recognition as they are continuously contributing to the ongoing call for establishing sustainability adoption and best practices in the Philippine business community.

Facilitated by key experts from the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), the second session was focused on adapting to EU ESG Standards for competitive advantage. Mr. Tobias Hansen, Director for Projects and Partnership of DI India, presented a study on ESG in the Philippines, mentioning the pivotal role of partnerships in achieving sustainability growth and resilience while stressing that the ESG should be a strategic agenda for companies, rather than being viewed merely as a compliance requirement. Likewise, Ms. Jelermina Abigail Roxas-Gorospe, Deputy Director-General, presented a study on the effects of the European Union (EU) Sustainability Requirements in the country which highlighted that while there is an unfamiliarity with these upcoming regulatory compliances, companies view them as strategic opportunities to increase sales and market demands.

Mr. Thomas Skov-Hansen, Head of ESG & Lead Senior Advisor of DI, expanded on this by presenting ESG’s role in the EU context and its impact on Philippine enterprises. He emphasized the need for businesses to recognize their global impact, both within and outside the EU in terms of its operations anchored to SDGs and ESG. Mr. Skov-Hansen also noted that there is an ongoing shift on the discussion about SDGs to ESG in companies’ perspectives, which further entails a growing momentum of its adoption in the PH business community.

In 2025, the ESG Learning Series will be continued with Session 3, further amplifying ECOP’s leaning towards implementing its new service that aims to guide its member companies and enterprises in promoting ESG principles. Through this series, ECOP aims to position these businesses to thrive and be resilient as both SDGs and ESG are seen as long-term competitive facets in sustainability and business evolving global markets.

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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.