The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), particularly its Corporate Governance and Finance Division (CGFD) under the supervision of a new commissioner, has once again proven its global leadership in sustainability and corporate governance.

On 13 May 2025, it received two significant distinctions from the Cambridge International Finance Advisory (IFA) at the 10th Global Good Governance (3G) Awards in Brunei Darussalam: the 3G Leadership Award for Advocacy and Commitment to Corporate Governance and the 3G Championship Award in ESG Practices.

This marks the fifth consecutive year the SEC has been recognized at the 3G Awards, affirming its commitment to embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in the Philippine corporate landscape.

Central to this recognition is the SEC’s sustainability reporting mandate. Under Memorandum Circular 4, Series of 2019, all publicly listed companies (PLC) must file annual sustainability reports.

The commission plans to extend this requirement to large capital non-listed corporations starting in 2026.

One year after the appointment of a new commissioner, the SEC has championed digital innovation to cut red tape and reduce environmental impact. One standout initiative is SEC ZERO (Zuper Easy Registration Online).

Launched in 2025, SEC ZERO allows individuals to register corporations from anywhere in the country or abroad, without the need to sign physical documents or submit hard copies.

The entire process, including authentication of registration documents, is now fully digital and does not utilize paper.

This not only streamlines business registration but also significantly reduces paper waste and transport-related emissions.

Complementing ZERO are other online platforms like eSAP and eSECURE, which collectively support the commission’s goal of transitioning to a paperless, efficient, and eco-conscious regulatory system.

Recognizing the importance of involving smaller businesses, the SEC launched the SMILEES Roadshow (Small and Medium Industries and Large Enterprises Embracing Sustainability).

This program promotes ESG awareness and capacity-building among SMEs, ensuring that sustainability is not exclusive to major corporations.

Internally, the commission holds monthly GREEN BANC meetings (Green Business and Commission Initiatives) to align departments on sustainability projects, monitor progress, and discuss new ESG programs.

These meetings institutionalize sustainability within the SEC’s culture and operations. Moreover, the SEC has adopted Green Public Procurement practices in line with GPPB Resolution 15-2013 and the 2017 Philippine Green Public Procurement Roadmap.

This ensures that all goods, services, and works acquired by the commission are evaluated for environmental impact, further reinforcing its commitment to responsible and sustainable governance.

Whether through regulatory reforms, digital innovation, internal sustainability governance, or sustainable procurement, the SEC is walking the talk.

These two latest 3G awards are more than just symbolic. They reflect a deep, sustained institutional effort to build a corporate sector that is transparent, inclusive, and environmentally aware.

As the world moves steadily toward more accountable and climate-conscious business practices, the SEC stands out not just as a regulator but as a pioneer and leader in shaping a truly sustainable future.