FPH chairman and CEO Federico R. Lopez details how climate change poses an existential threat to human civilization in his keynote addressEnergy Development Corporation (EDC) supported Green Convergence, a gathering of environmentalists from the government sector and civil society, through active participation at the Philippine Environment Summit (PES), reaffirming its role as a leader in renewable energy and in advocating decarbonization in the country.

The fifth PES, themed “Ako Ang Bukas: Quantum Leap to Climate Neutrality,” ran from Feb. 19-21, 2025 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City. The summit served as a crucial platform for collaboration, bringing together government officials, business leaders, academic institutions, youth and students, faith-based groups, indigenous peoples and sustainability advocates to discuss insights, technologies and workable solutions for climate neutrality.

EDC engaged attendees with its exhibit booth that showcased its regenerative approach through clean energy and collaborating with stakeholders for a decarbonized future. The booth also featured the Net Zero Carbon Alliance, which advances the Philippine private sector to step up for the planet and achieve a net-zero future.

On the first day of the summit, EDC head of corporate support functions Atty. Allan Barcena moderated the breakout session on greenhouse gas measurement and reduction initiatives, steering the discussion on tracking and reducing carbon footprint using innovative strategies and initiatives.

On the second day, First Philippine Holdings Corporation chairman and CEO Federico R. Lopez delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the many ways climate change poses an existential threat to human civilization.

EDC continues to help the country reduce its overall carbon footprint not only through its investments and portfolio, but also through its environmental advocacy that fosters inclusive growth with partner communities. Its 15-year flagship greening legacy program, BINHI, puts a special focus on planting indigenous forest tree species, collaborating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as well as local communities to ensure optimal site-species matching and achieve high survival rates.

(Story by:Frances Ariola)