Sustainability has become a defining challenge and opportunity of the modern era, as societies worldwide strive to balance development with environmental responsibility. With climate change, resource depletion, and social inequalities posing increasing threats, efforts to create sustainable and livable communities have never been more critical.

The 8th Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards highlighted sustainability champions from various fields in a prestigious ceremony held on 21 March 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila, Entertainment City, Parañaque. Over 1,200 distinguished guests, including government officials, business leaders, philanthropists, and advocates for sustainability, gathered to celebrate individuals and organizations making a lasting impact in governance, social responsibility, and environmental conservation.

Organized by Sustainability Standards, Inc., the awards recognized exemplary efforts in fostering sustainable and livable communities. Among the key honorees was former Department of Justice Secretary Atty. Leila de Lima, who received the Trailblazer in Women’s Empowerment - Excellence in Governance and Societal Justice award for her steadfast advocacy in governance and human rights.

As a keynote speaker, De Lima emphasized the urgent need for collective action against climate change.

“Climate change renders no effort too small. Even the most ordinary of things — something as simple as reusing eco bags, refusing plastic, eating less meat, or making meal plans to avoid food wastage, and rejecting mindless consumerism or overconsumption — can make a difference,” she said.

She also shed light on the vulnerabilities faced by the Philippines amidst global crises.

“The world faces multiple crises — climate change, earthquakes, typhoons, pandemics, conflicts, and wars — all intensified by inadequate coping mechanisms and weak adaptation capacities. This combination of exposure and vulnerability is precisely what the Annual World Risk Index measures across all United Nations member states,” she noted.

For the past three years, the Philippines has ranked as the country most at risk among 193 nations.

In response to these challenges, De Lima urged voters to elect leaders with strong environmental commitments.

“It is crucial for voters, both at the national and local elections, to choose leaders who are competent and sincere in their environmental advocacy. Ultimately, what we do or choose not to do will always come back to us,” she said.

Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, Vice Mayor of Manila, was named Vice Mayor of the Year for his leadership and community-driven initiatives. Meanwhile, Reina Hispo Americana 2025, Ms. Dia Remulla Mate, was honored as the Ambassador for Cultural Heritage and Sustainability Champion in the Philippines for her role in promoting sustainable cultural preservation.

Adding to the evening’s highlights, rising P-pop girl group Hiraya — consisting of Calli, Kitty, Joanna, Anasity, and Jewel — won the Breakthrough P-pop of the Year award and electrified the stage with powerful performances. 

During a wine toast celebration, Sustainability and Nation Builders President and CEO Kenneth Prieto Rocete emphasized the collective effort behind sustainability.

”For the celebration of the 8th Nation Builders and MOSLIV Awards, the publication that we are releasing tonight is the testament of hardworks and efforts toward sustainability. But all of these efforts cannot be made possible without each and everyone of you — the ecowarriors, the sustainability champions, and the steward of the planet.” 

Sustainability Standards, Inc. is a mission-driven company dedicated to promoting sustainability through transformative projects and initiatives. Guided by principles of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, it operates three flagship programs: The Nation Builders program, the Most Sustainable and Livable (MOSLIV) awards, and The Strongest and Greatest Brands (SGB) initiative.