SDSN Philippines and the Business for Sustainable Development Present A Screening Event of “Beyond Zero”

On July 28, 2025, leaders of the Philippine business sector gathered at the Verdure, 4th floor Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a day of discourse, reflection, and putting thought into action. “The Journey to Regenerative Business - Leadership and Vision in Corporate Sustainability” was organized by the Business for Sustainable Development (BSD), in collaboration with De La Salle University and Sustainable Development Solutions Network Philippines (SDSN Philippines).

Arch. Ryan Chai Cabañez of PALAFOX invited guests to rethink what their organization stands for, and if at its core, brings value into their fields. As BSD empowers its members, he looks forward to a bright future where sustainable practices are the norm.

Film Screening & Panel Discussion

A grounding segment would be the special screening of Beyond Zero, a film directed and produced by Nathan Havey, that follows Ray Anderson, visionary founder of Interface. It illustrates the story of how the global manufacturing company pivoted “from [self-procalimed] plunderers to protectors,” and reimagined the role of business in addressing environmental challenges. They showed that it's possible to change harmful practices and instead, venture on a mission to save the planet.

Afterwards, a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Raoul S. Pérez, Executive Director of BSD featured Ms. Ma Victoria Tan, Executive Director of the Group Sustainability and Risk Management Unit of Ayala Corporation, Mr. Joseph Rosal, Director of Sustainability-Hub Manila for DLSU, Mr. Rafael A.S.G. Ongpin, Executive Director of the Makati Business Club, and Mr. Neil Ian Lumanian, Consultant – Circular Economy & Carbon Removal, SUSTAINOVA.

Hailing from prominent companies, these individuals carry years of experience. From the private sector, to the academe, and non-profit organizations, each professional echoed the sentiments of the film: “It is not enough to do no harm to the environment, we must save it.” Mr. Ongpin noted the unique power of a story. He said that stories resonate deeply and can be used to fuel action. Mr. Rosal also stated that it is also not possible to act alone. Integrating long term change has to be done with community in mind. Ms. Tan shares a personal experience that although sustainability started as trends to report and comply with, it has been exciting to be proactive instead of reactive. Lastly, Mr. Lumanian shared revelations of the path moving forward: regeneration and renewable energy/practices.

Special Presentations

For the afternoon session, a series of presentations ensued. First, Mr. Antonio Carlos Maralit, Country Manager of the SDSN Philippines, shared its main objectives of co-creating a platform centered on knowledge, experience, and resource sharing for high potential Solutions and SDG-centered initiatives, within the Philippines and internationally. Mr. Arvind Agawalla, Founder & CEO of FACT Software Group of Companies, provided a demonstration of FACT ERP.NG, a unifying digital platform that tracks a company’s carbon accounting, circularity control, ESG analysis, and includes reporting on Scope 1, 2, & 3.

Ms. Raelanie Loyola then shared BSD’s Gabay Kalikasan Business Strategy Program. It equips business with a credible nature strategy using the Nature Strategy Handbook, aligned with Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), and ACT-D frameworks. They are currently accepting partnership inquiries. To close off the series, Mr. Paolo Tolentino from the Environmental Programs Management Department of Landbank of the Philippines relayed their Sustainability success story. Their four key strategies to sustainable financing are 1) policy-based monitoring, 2) mitigation of risks, 3) expansion of sustainable solutions endeavors, and 4) strategic partnerships.

Dr. Anthony Chiu, Vice President for External Relations and Internationalization of DLSU, graced the event with his closing remarks. He shared his local and international experience in championing the SDGs and work in sustainable development.

The event was a jumping board for transformation and transition. The sense of urgency that comes with knowing that there is no Planet B inspires action and a drive to move forward, notably in the right direction. This strengthened resolve will encourage business leaders to leverage internal and external learning towards reconsidering existing business practices. Success stories serve as inspiration that the seemingly impossible is quite in reach.

About the Organizers
The Business for Sustainable Development (BSD) enables Philippine businesses to address their environmental issues and concerns. It believes that this community has the responsibility to protect the environment, and ensure sustainability in its utilized resources and practices. The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Philippines, hosted by De La Salle University, seeks to platform UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with collaborations among academic institutions, civil society, the business sector, the Philippine government, and international partners, on a local and national level. The University’s sustainability initiatives are further powered by the University Sustainability Office (USO).