Last 28 May, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Makati City was abuzz with energy and purpose as stakeholders from across sectors convened for a defining moment in the country’s sustainability journey — the First SEC Campaign Network Partners Meeting for eSECnature.

This landmark event was more than a ceremonial gathering, it was a declaration of a shared commitment.

Representatives from the corporate sector, government, multilateral organizations, academic institutions and civil society came together to answer a common call — to drive the shift toward responsible, resilient, and inclusive business practices through collaboration.

The importance of collective effort was underscored. While the Corporate Governance and Finance Department of the SEC is committed to providing strategic direction and oversight, the true strength of eSECnature lies in the partnerships forged within this network.

Each participant, whether a business leader, sustainability advocate, expert, or policymaker, brings unique insights and capabilities to the table. Through their combined efforts, an environment is fostered where best practices are shared, innovative solutions are developed, and policy reforms are championed for the benefit of all. Turn to page 12

The benefits of this collaboration are substantial. Businesses gain access to digital tools and resources that enhance ESG reporting and transparency, policy advocacy fosters a more supportive regulatory environment for sustainable enterprises, and by streamlining business processes, we can attract more significant sustainable investments and elevate the reputation of Philippine companies globally.

eSECnature is a space for knowledge-sharing, partnership-building, and co-creating forward-thinking solutions to today’s most urgent challenges.

The climate crisis, scarcity of resources, and degradation of the ecosystem demand a unified response. No institution can address these issues alone. That is why we must work together—across industries, sectors, and disciplines.

The event also featured a lively and productive networking session that underscored the potential of the eSECnature initiative.

Representatives from major corporations, financial institutions, sustainability alliances, and development partners actively exchanged insights, forged connections, and explored areas of collaboration. Conversations spanned a broad range of topics, from ESG data integration to sustainable finance, showing the breadth of expertise and shared ambition in the room.

As we move forward, we must ensure that sustainability is inclusive. This means bringing in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 99.5 percent of all businesses in the Philippines.

Many MSMEs struggle to implement sustainability practices due to limited resources and the perceived additional costs.

But their participation is crucial. Supporting them through incentives, simplified reporting tools, and capacity-building initiatives will help ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of sustainable development.

Sustainability and profitability are not opposing forces, they can and must support one another. And most importantly, everyone can make a difference.

Whether you head a corporation, run a sari-sari store, develop policies, or make everyday choices, you can answer the call of sustainability your own way.

Every matters.