SGV Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Partner Benjamin “Benjie” N. Villacorte was a panelist in the Philippine Power Plant Energy Summit panel discussion on the topic “The Future of Energy Sector in the Philippines” held at Novotel Manila, Araneta Center, Quezon City.
Benjie (second from left) with the other panelists and moderator during the panel discussion
Benjie stressed the significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in initiatives related to community life and poverty alleviation. He talked about economic and ESG goals and third-party assurance. He also advocated for the adoption of the new International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Sustainability Reporting Standards to improve sustainability reporting.
Benjie underlined the importance of hybrid sources, greenhouse gas accounting, sustainability reporting, and profitability for climate adaptation, resilience, and community support. He noted the need for enterprise risk management to consider the importance of climate scenario analysis and recognize transition risks in a low-carbon economy.
Benjie (second from left) with the other panelists and moderator receiving their plaques of appreciation
He further highlighted that acquiring carbon credits is not a license to pollute and that emission reduction actions should take precedence over purchasing credits. According to Benjie, the Philippines has the capacity to generate carbon credits, but there is no framework in place yet to ensure compliance with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Benjie (second from right) with CCaSS Manager Judd P. Tablazon and CCaSS Senior Associates Joyce Anne A. Soriano and Louie Adrianne R. Cediño
Other panelists were Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines President Erel Narida and AboitizPower Chief Operating Officer for Power and Aboitiz Data Innovation and Chief Data and AI Officer Luis F. Gonzalez. Quisumbing Torres Partner Atty. Dennis A. Quintero served as the moderator.
The Philippine Powerplant Energy Summit gathered government authorities, stakeholders, experts, and contractors to promote renewable energy mix, including coal-based electricity generation, using cutting-edge technology, practices, and equipment.
