The term “sustainability” can sometimes feel like a heavy, corporate buzzword, something reserved for high-level finance reports and global summits. But what if we told you it’s actually about your daily grocery runs, your social media feed, and the future of your favorite beach?
That was the core takeaway from the recent Sustainability In Focus: Virtual Learning Workshop by BDO, a deep dive that brilliantly connected the dots between macro-economic frameworks and the micro-actions of everyday life. The tone of the day was clear: BDO isn’t just talking about sustainability; they are actively building it into their core business, and they want the public—the consumer, the content creator, and the conscious citizen—to be part of the story.
Why the Philippines Can’t Afford to Scroll Away
The workshop kicked off with a sobering reality check. While sustainability fundamentally means meeting present needs without compromising future generations, the Philippines is in a precarious position. The country currently ranks highest in sustainability risk among the nations assessed, scoring a concerning 46.56 due to key vulnerabilities like socio-economic disparities and environmental risks.
As UP-CIFAL Program Officer Elle David pointed out, this is why the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are so critical. They provide a universal blueprint built on Five Pillars that every Filipino can relate to:
- People: Ending poverty and hunger.
- Prosperity: Promoting economic progress in harmony with nature.
- Planet: Protecting the Earth for current and future generations.
- Peace: Fostering inclusive and just societies.
- Partnership: Encouraging global solidarity and collaboration.
The good news? The Philippines is showing significant commitment, having jumped from 98th to 87th in the latest Sustainable Development Report—a testament to its status as one of the fastest-improving countries in SDG performance.
BDO: The Power of Green and Blue Finance
The session led by BDO FVP and Sustainability Officer Marla Garin-Alvarez brought to light how a major financial institution translates global goals into tangible, measurable impacts right here at home.
BDO’s commitment is anchored in a comprehensive Sustainable Finance Framework that covers 29 categories, with impressive results that go far beyond a press release:
- Renewable Energy Champion: Since 2010, BDO has financed ₱1.04 trillion in renewable energy. This has funded 63 projects, generating 2,679 MW of clean energy capacity and, crucially, avoiding 4,767,745 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually—the equivalent of removing over one million cars from the road!
- The Blue Bond Impact: Their US$100 million Blue Bond is tackling the urgent issue of water scarcity and ocean pollution. This initiative has addressed water supply issues in Greater Metro Manila and Luzon, leading to a remarkable 14% increase in households with clean water access.
- Social Inclusion through Finance: Through the ASEAN Sustainability Bond, social projects have generated employment and boosted local agriculture, benefiting 910 people and leading to 200 tons of additional coconut production.
These aren’t just big numbers; they are human stories of clean water, stable jobs, and a healthier planet—which is precisely the point, according to the BDO framework.
Your Voice is Your Power: Communicating for Change
The final segment, featuring Business Mirror Columnist Malou Talosig-Bartolome, was the call to action for everyone who uses a keyboard or a camera. She focused on the writer’s crucial role in making sustainability relatable and inspiring action.
In a world where Filipinos spend an average of four hours daily on social media, we are all communicators. The key? Authenticity and clarity.
8 Practical Tips for Sustainable Storytelling
To avoid vague buzzwords and dreaded greenwashing, Malou Talosig-Bartolome provided a roadmap for creating content that truly sparks change:
- Anchor in Everyday Reality: Show relatable actions, not just grand plans.
- Example: “I started bringing my own bayong to the market; less plastic, more savings.”
- Frame Change as a Journey: Highlight progress over perfection.
- Example: “I used to buy bottled water every day until I discovered the refills at the corner water station.”
- Humanize the Impact: Pair statistics with a human story.
- Example: “One barangay’s eco-brick project turned 500 kilos of plastic into benches for the community park.”
- Leverage Micro-Engagement: Invite simple participation and dialogue.
- Example: “Which swap would you choose: reusable tumbler or glass jar? Vote below!”
- Use Sensory Hooks: Make sustainability tangible through senses.
- Example: “The aroma of homegrown calamansi beats store-bought in plastic packs.”
- Visualize Simply: Pair words with strong, clear visuals (local markets, clean-ups, etc.).
- Spotlight Inclusion: Show the connection to gender and social equity.
- Example: “A women-led cooperative turned discarded fishing nets into eco-friendly bags, creating jobs and reducing ocean waste.”
- Highlight Accountability: Feature transparency and ethical practices.
- Tip: Always verify sources and avoid vague terms like “eco-friendly” unless there is a verifiable certification.
The Takeaway: From Big Bank to Your Backyard
BDO’s workshop was a powerful reminder that sustainability is not a side project; it is the foundation of a resilient future. While BDO is making immense strides with large-scale finance and project funding, the responsibility also trickles down to our daily choices.
Before you buy, before you post, and before you scroll, ask the key questions recommended by the resource speakers: Is there proof of impact? Does it align with a strategy for a better future? Is the governance transparent?
Whether you are supporting a local Filipino eco-warrior like Anna Oposa (marine conservation) or Carlo Delantar (clean water access), or simply choosing to use a reusable bag, you are participating in the largest, most crucial movement of our time.
Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s the only way forward. And now you know exactly where to start.
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