PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) successfully hosted the first-ever sustainability forum on 22-23 April 2024, titled “Ecozones In-Depth: Eco-Industrial Parks and Green Technologies”. Held at the PEZA Head Office, this landmark event significantly advanced the integration of sustainability within economic zone development. For two days, the forum aimed to educate and mobilize PEZA Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) and other stakeholders about emerging technologies that help build smart, inclusive, and sustainable eco-industrial developments and promote clean and green manufacturing practices.

Initiated by Director General Tereso O. Panga in celebration of Earth Day on 22 April 2024, the forum also received recognitions from Senate President Pro Tempore Loren B. Legarda, as well as Trade Secretary and PEZA Board Chairman Alfredo E. Pascual.

Senate President Pro Tempore Legarda expressed, “Industries are often portrayed as culprits in climate change discourse, but by embracing sustainability practices and prioritizing the welfare of your workforce and the environment, PEZA has an opportunity to change the narrative. Through strategic investments in people, technology, and environmental stewardship, PEZA can pave the way for a more inclusive and environmentally-conscious approach to industrial development.”

“I commend the PEZA organization under the able leadership of Director General Theo Panga for igniting our collective dream transition aspirations under the Marcos Jr. administration. This forum embodies PEZA’s vision to imbue our economic zones with eco-industrial development (EID) and circular economy principles,” Trade Secretary and PEZA Board Chairman Pascual seconded.

The event featured 13 resource speakers from various fields.

RBE participants on the 1^st day were introduced to eco-industrial development framework with emerging sustainable technologies, designed to foster environmentally responsible manufacturing and distribution practices. This initiative supports PEZA’s broader goals to transform future industrial parks into models of the circular economy.

The topics on the 2^nd day focused on green initiatives, climate financing, and environmental advocacies, covering essential topics such as carbon footprint reduction, carbon market financing, and enhancing sustainability reporting. These discussions are vital for prompting companies to transparently report their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, aligning with global sustainable and energy development goals.

The forum is expected to significantly impact on the environment especially in the economic zones by promoting the adoption of green technologies and environmentally-sound practices, which are key to reducing industrial carbon emissions and mitigating global warming. Additionally, the forum underscored the economic advantages of sustainable technologies, such as cost savings through enhanced energy and waste management efficiencies and the potential to attract more investments, especially those with a strong ESG focus.

“Simply put, we must continually adapt in order to make our businesses climate-resilient, green, sustainable, and responsive to climate change. This reduces our overall carbon footprint on nature and lessens our negative impact on the environment—without compromising company efficiency and profitability,” the PEZA Chief stated.

Currently, PEZA oversees 423 economic zones, hosting 4,380 enterprises in diverse sectors across the nation.By championing eco-friendly practices, PEZA is committed to future-proofing its economic zones against climate change, thereby increasing its appeal to attract new investments. The continuation of similar fora, along with the practical application of environmentally-good practices, is crucial in creating a sustainable economic framework that not only drives economic growth but also protects and enriches the environment for future generations. ♦

Date of release: 26 April 2024

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