PRIVATE sectors are pushing for fast-tracking of corporate decarbonization and building long-term climate resilience, amid global energy crises and worsening climate impacts that threaten vulnerable nations across Southeast Asia.
This is the central call of the Philippine business leaders, policymakers, climate advocates, and solution providers convened during the two-day Philippine Net Zero Conference 2026.
Net zero means achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed.
The conference, themed “Bridging Gaps: Radical Collaboration for a Net Zero Future,” was organized by the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) in partnership with Southeast Asia Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx).
Running on Sept. 15–16 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City, the two-day summit moved corporate and national climate ambitions into urgent action.
NZCA lead convenor France Ariola said achieving net zero is beyond a voluntary commitment, but an “essential business strategy to manage operational risks, protect supply chains, and safeguard communities from catastrophic warming.”
The event also marks the fifth anniversary of NZCA, the Philippines’ leading private-sector coalition committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions, founded in 2021 by First Gen-owned Energy Development Corporation (First Gen Renewables).
NZCA was established by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a First Gen Group Company, in 2021 to guide organizations in the Philippines who committed to their net-zero journey in line with the group’s mission to forge collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future.
“The global energy crisis has made one thing unmistakably clear: protecting our climate and insulating our businesses from severe risk are the exact same fight,” said Allan Barcena, NZCA executive director.
NZCA emphasized that the country has no legally mandated, country-level declaration to reach net zero by 2050; the alliance represents the private sector.
In December 2025, NZCA submitted its position paper supporting the Low Carbon Investment Act authored by Bukidnon Representative Jose Manuel Alba.
Day one of the conference covered climate governance, mandatory sustainability disclosures, carbon footprint tracking, and mobilizing climate finance.
The opening day also celebrated five years of NZCA through the alliance’s accomplishment report.
To date, NZCA already has 47 partner companies that are all committed to going net zero, including Arthaland, First Balfour, Drink Communications, Holcim Philippines, Monde Nissin, Silliman University, SGV/EY, and Unilever Philippines.
Artificial intelligence, smart energy systems, carbon management tools, and science-based verification enable organizations to drastically cut emissions and will be the focus on day two.
Delegates will also connect with clean-technology providers in dedicated business-matching sessions.
“Achieving net zero is more urgent than ever because transitioning to clean, regenerative solutions is the only viable path to safeguard our planet, manage climate risks for businesses, and ensure lasting economic survival,” Barcena stressed.
