Mr. Joseph Amiel Camingal

CEO

Hive Energy PH

Engr. Joseph Amiel A. Camingal, RECE, is the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hive Energy PH, a Filipino solar photovoltaic and portable energy company based in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. A licensed Electronics Engineer, he founded the company in 2021 with a clear conviction: the biggest barrier to clean energy is not the technology but the upfront cost.

That conviction has shaped how Hive Energy PH does business. Under his leadership, the company has paired its solar and battery storage solutions with accessible financing, including zero-down and rent-to-own options, so that households, farms, resorts and small businesses can switch to solar without a large initial investment. By making ownership attainable, Hive Energy has helped bring clean, reliable power to customers who would otherwise have been priced out, including those in remote and off-grid communities.

Beyond installations, Engr. Camingal has developed Hive Energy's own line of portablepower stations, the PowerCell series, built around long-life LiFePO4 batteries and named after Philippine wildlife. He remains hands-on in engineering, field operations and businessdevelopment, and continues to build Hive Energy as a homegrown brand focused on making dependable, efficient energy affordable for Filipino communities

Mr. Kristoffer Medina

Technical Sales Engineer (Utility & Microgrid)

Integra RE Corporation

Kristoffer Medina is a Technical Sales Engineer specializing in Utility and Microgrid Solutions at Integra RE Corporation. He plays a key role in advancing renewable energy integration across the Philippines by designing and delivering high-performance power systems, microgrid architectures, and utility-scale clean energy infrastructure. Combining technical expertise with strategic client engagement, he works closely with commercial, industrial, and utility partners to deliver reliable, sustainable, and scalable energy solutions.

Mr. Vicente de Lima II

Vice President - Strategic Business Planning & Corporate Sustainability

First Balfour

Vicente “Macky” de Lima II is the Vice President and Head of Strategic Business Planning and Corporate Sustainability at First Balfour, where he leads the company’s long-term strategic direction and enterprise-wide sustainability agenda. Since joining First Balfour in 2001 as Head of Treasury and later assuming leadership of Strategic Business Planning and Corporate Sustainability, he has driven key initiatives in decarbonization, environmental stewardship, and responsible construction practices. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Green Building Council.

Outside work, Macky is a marathoner and an advocate for mangroves as a nature-based solution, reflecting his personal commitment to environmental stewardship.

Mr. Randall Evangelista

Business Manager for Industries and Environment - Environment, Health, and Safety

SGS Philippines and Guam

Randall Evangelista is the Business Manager for Industries & Environment (Health & Safety) at SGS Philippines & Guam. A Registered Chemist with over 27 years of extensive experience across regulatory compliance, sustainability, food safety, and project management, he drives strategic growth, pricing execution, and business development across diverse sectors, including mining, infrastructure, healthcare, and utilities. Throughout his career—which includes key roles at BASF, Ecolab, and Universal Robina—he has consistently delivered data-driven, customized regulatory and biosecurity solutions to help organizations thrive. He holds a BS in Chemistry from UP Los Baños.

Monique Lugartos

NZCA Decarbonization Officer

Energy Development Corporation

Monique Rae G. Lugartos is a Licensed Chemical Technician and Certified Greenhouse Gas Practitioner. With over eight years of versatile experience across testing laboratories, business development, asset management, and environmental controls, she bridges the gap between technical assessment and on-the-ground execution.

Driven by a passion for industrial innovation and climate action, Monique specializes in scientific research and analysis, data interpretation, GHG accounting aligned with international standards, and climate mitigation solutions.

As NZCA Decarbonization Officer at Energy Development Corporation, a First Gen Group Company, she develops monitoring frameworks, assists with partner net-zero roadmaps, and supports carbon sequestration projects.

Ar. Romolo Nati

Executive Chairman and Chief Design Adviser

Italpinas

A multi-awarded green architect, sustainable developer, and an accomplished automotive designer. Graduated Summa Cum Laude in Architecture from the Sapienza University of Rome, and with a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). He is a member of the Compensation and Remuneration Committee.

Mr. Alexander Ablaza

President, Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) / CEO

Climargy

The last 26 years of Alex Ablaza’s 41-year professional career have been dedicated to growing energy efficiency and other clean energy technology deployment in 17 Asian markets through the identification, due diligence and financial close of over three billion dollars (> USD 3 bn) in direct investments, and also through catalytic market and policy interventions.

Across Asia and the Middle East, he currently provides energy efficiency expertise with the objective of scaling up energy efficiency capital flows through innovative finance, investment structures and policy reform. He convened and chairs the Asia-Pacific ESCO Industry Alliance and the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance.

He co-founded the Global ESCO Network and co-chairs a taskforce of the global coalition, Mission Efficiency. Wearing his investment hat, he designed and heads Climargy, the world’s pioneer private Super-ESCO aggregator of ESCO project assets. Alex is armed with 38 years of project and corporate management experience, and an educational background in civil engineering (BSCE) and business economics (MBE).

Ms. Michelle Bautista-Tañada

Vice President

WASTO Waste Solutions

An award-winning sustainability advocate and circular economy leader recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other institutions for her environmental initiatives and community impact. As Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Alpha Distinct Development Solutions Inc., Director for Advocacy and Community Development of Wasto Integrated Solutions on Environment, Inc., (WISE), and co-founder of Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (PASS) Foundation, she champions innovative solutions that transform plastic and agricultural waste into sustainable products and livelihood opportunities. Her work advances women's empowerment, Filipino innovation, and inclusive community development through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and civil society

Alpha Distinct Development Solutions Inc. is honored to receive the SPECIAL CITATION FOR WASTE DIVERTERS from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the 2026 EPR Recognition Program: Celebrating Achievements and Milestones organized by the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS).

This recognition affirms our commitment to waste diversion, circular economy initiatives, and sustainable solutions that support the Zero Waste to Nature vision of the Philippines.Michelle Bautista-Tañada Wins First Place in “Empowered Woman, Empowering Humanity”Search by Inner Wheel Clubs of the Philippines Inc. (IWCPI)

In recognition of her exemplary leadership and dedication to community service, with the awarding ceremony held at Solaire Resort on March 1, 2026.

The distinction also endorses Bautista-Tañada as the first Filipina representative for the International Margarette Golding Award, underscoring her growing impact and leadership in environmental sustainability.

Recognition presented to Ms. Michelle Bautista-Tañada of Balikatan sa Kaunlaran for her and Alpha DDSI's Outstanding Development and Implementation of Recycling and Upcycling Projects, which have significantly enhanced the overall program delivery of the NCWP's goals, vision, and operating objectives, awarded on June 6, 2025, at Club Filipino, Greenhills, Metro Manila.

Dr. Michelle C. Almendrala

Associate Professor, School Of Chemical, Biological, And Material Engineering And Sciences

Mapua University

Dr. Michelle C. Almendrala is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences (CBMES), Mapúa University, Philippines. Her research on xanthan gum fermentation and biobutanol production at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, sparked her interest in bioprocessing and in biogas from organic waste.

Dr. Almendrala led the collaboration between Mapúa University and Lipp GmbH of Germany under the develoPPP.de program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), completed in 2025. Facilitated by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the project that aims to established a biogas laboratory at Mapúa and included the “Pineapple to Power” initiative with MetPower as the local industry partner. Through this work, she advanced research on biogas production systems, anaerobic digestion, and practical applications for agricultural and industrial organic waste.

She is currently involved in the EU-PH Green Economy Programme, where Mapúa University partners with the German Biomass Research Center (DBFZ) on feasibility studies at the farmer-cooperative scale and Project Lily. The work examines circular agricultural systems that combine livestock waste management with the use of invasive water hyacinth biomass. She is also in discussions with the Island Skies Alliance of the Philippines on using waste as feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Her work promotes sustainable waste management while generating clean energy, contributing to the Philippines’ circular economy goals and to renewable energy innovation in Southeast Asia.

Ms. Dianne Agnes Cristobal

Executive Director, Virgin Coconut Oil Philippines/ President

Philippine Association of Condiment Producers

Dianne Agnes Cristobal is a leading advocate for the Philippine food and agri-business sectors, currently serving as the Executive Director of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Philippines and President of the Philippine Association of Condiment Producers. With extensive industry leadership across high-value agricultural exports and food manufacturing, she drives trade development, quality standardization, and sustainable value-chain practices to strengthen the global competitiveness of Philippine coconut and food products.

Mr. OJ Lopez

Chief Strategy Officer

Envi-comm Corporation

OJ Lopez is the Chief Strategy Officer at Envi-comm Corporation, where he oversees strategic planning, corporate growth, and business development in environmental and communications solutions. Leveraging strong expertise in sustainable practices and market expansion, he drives key partnerships and operational frameworks that advance eco-friendly technologies and sustainable infrastructure development.

Ms. Jacquelyn Escarcha

Consultant

Jacquelyn Escarcha is an independent consultant with fifteen years of experience in the agriculture and environment nexus—a space where food security and ecological integrity converge. She is deeply passionate about sustainable agriculture development and skilled in providing technical guidance on sustainable farming, project development, and fostering collaboration under the era of uncertain climate. She is currently a member of the Agricultural Production (Livestock) Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Climate Bonds Initiative, collaboratively working to mobilize capital for climate action and resilience to ensure that investments support a sustainable, adaptive, and low-carbon future.

Her work involvement extends to the international development bodies, namely the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Recently concluded engagements with the FAO Philippines include as Food Systems Specialist of the Global Environment Facility (GEF8) Food Systems Integrated Program, with a completed child project document for implementation, entitled Transforming Agricultural Landscapes in Island Ecosystems and Key Biodiversity Areas towards Sustainable Food Systems and Climate Resilient Communities. She is the Agriculture Resilience Specialist of the National Preparation Team to craft the “National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (NAFMIP) 2021-2030” of the Department of Agriculture, providing technical assistance on the integration of the climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (CCA-DRR) agenda and strategy for the agri-fisheries sector's resilience.Over the years, she has also engaged in the business side of agriculture—turning science into practical and scalable solutions as a managing consultant of Sun Biotech Corporation, a private company specializing in agri-commodities import/export trade.

She holds a BSc in Agriculture, a double MSc degree in Sustainable Agriculture Development, and a PhD in Agriculture and Environment.

Ms. Faith Nacarato

President and Chief Client Officer

Oikos Sustainable Packaging

Faith Nacarato is Co-Founder and President of Oikos Sustainable Solutions, a Filipino women-led and women-owned manufacturing company producing plant-based and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. She leads Oikos’ commercial strategy and works with companies across retail, food, hospitality, and consumer sectors to transition to more sustainable packaging. Her work focuses on a central challenge in green innovation: making environmentally credible solutions commercially viable, scalable, and affordable.

John David Pestaño

VP for External Affairs

Packaging Institute of the Philippines

John David Pestaño is the Vice President for External Affairs of the Packaging Institute of the Philippines (PIP) and a Packaging Integrator for Global Innovations and R&D at Universal Robina Corporation (URC). A chemical engineer by training, he brings over two decades of technical and leadership experience in packaging development, material innovation, and R&D across major consumer goods companies in the Philippines and internationally. Through his institutional roles, he actively leads initiatives in industry collaboration, external relations, and sustainable packaging standards.

Dr. Angel Basbasan Jr.

Supervising Science Research Specialist Transport Packaging and Design Section

DOST-ITDI Packaging Technology Division

Dr. Angel T. Basbasan Jr. is a Supervising Science Research Specialist at the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST–ITDI), where he leads the Transport Packaging and Design Section under the Packaging Technology Division. He heads R&D initiatives at the Green Packaging Laboratory, driving innovations in sustainable packaging, biodegradable materials, and active packaging systems.

Dr. Basbasan leads projects focused on developing biodegradable takeaway containers from agricultural waste and edible sachets. An active researcher and international speaker, he has authored numerous scientific publications on eco-friendly packaging technologies, biobased polymers, and circular economy applications.

Mr. Zed Avecilla

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program Director

Philippine Alliance Environment and Biotechnology Divisionary Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS)

Zed Avecilla serves as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program Director for the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), spearheading initiatives that power the Zero Waste to Nature (ZWTN) 2030 program. With a strong background in business development from Hangzhou Normal University, Mr. Avecilla plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and corporate sustainability. He actively collaborates with key industry stakeholders, manufacturers, and local government units to design holistic, comprehensive systems that accelerate waste reduction, boost resource recovery, and build a resilient circular economy in the country.

Mr. Rolando Enoc

Supervising Environmental Management Specialist (SEMS)

DENR Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB)

Mr. Rolando 'Chock' Enoc serves as a Supervising Environmental Management Specialist (SEMS) at the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) – Environmental Education and Information Division (EEID), bringing extensive expertise in public policy, environmental advocacy, and sustainable development.

With a career dedicated to environmental governance since 2017, they play a vital role in national capacity-building programs, public awareness campaigns, and multi-sectoral stakeholder engagement. Their leadership extends to key national initiatives, including serving as Vice-Chairperson of the National Ecology Center (NEC) Project Management Team for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal, contributing to the implementation of RA 11898 and Circular Economy frameworks, and representing the agency in technical working groups such as the National Solid Waste Management Commission.

In addition to policy and public education, they are an IRCA-certified ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor, actively driving the agency's Environmental and Quality Management Systems. Blending professional dedication with creative communication, they are also a singer-songwriter who uses music—such as environmental Zumba tracks (ZumVironment)—to champion environmental protection and sustainability.

They hold a Master in Public Management and Governance (MPMG) from the Universidad de Manila and a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration.

Dr. Francis Baleta

Program Lead

DOST- Circular Economy Program

Dr. FRANCIS N. BALETA is a Science and Technology Fellow III at the Department of Science and Technology leading the program and initiatives under the Science Technology and Innovations for Circular Economy (STI4CE) Framework.

He is the Program Leader of the DOST Circular Economy Program, CIRCULATES (Circular Innovations for Resource Conservation and Utilization, Leveraging Advances in Technology and Enterprises for Sustainability, and the Project Leader of PRIME-CE (Policy Research for Integrating a Managed and Equitable Circular Economy in the Philippines), currently being implemented at the DOST – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).

He serves as a member of the Technical Working Group of the House Committee on Economy Affairs consolidating the House Bills and policy measures to promote and strengthen the Blue Economy and Circular Economy in the Philippines. He also serves as the Cluster Lead for Strategy 2 – Circular Economy and Sustainable Consumption and Production of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction and Management of Marine Litter (NPOA-ML) and a member of the Metrics Advisory Group for the National Plastic Action Program in the Philippines and a DOST Technical Representative to the EU-Green Economy Program in the Philippines (EU-GEPP). Additionally, Dr. Baleta conducts comprehensive reviews of programs and policies in the Environment Sector, Industrial Technology Development Division of DOST PCIEERD and other Councils of DOST.

Dr. Francis Baleta’s current research interests are on agricultural and environmental science and sustainability, circular economy, and food waste valorization. His field of expertise are in fisheries sciences, including aquaculture, postharvest fisheries (food processing and technology), aquatic resources and ecology, and environmental and marine sciences and Public Administration. He finished his Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States, and his PhD Dissertation studies at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States, both as Fulbright Scholar.

He also finished PhD Dissertation Fellowship at the National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan, and Doctor of Philosophy at the University of the Philippines Visayas. Dr. Baleta also graduated with the degree Doctor of Public Administration at The State University of Northern Negros where is also a Graduate Professor and the Program Leader of a DBM-funded project on Sustainable Aqua-ecotourism, Circular Economy and Marine Litter Management.

Mr. Zed Avecilla

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program Director

Philippine Alliance Environment and Biotechnology Divisionary Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS)

Zed Avecilla serves as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program Director for the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), spearheading initiatives that power the Zero Waste to Nature (ZWTN) 2030 program. With a strong background in business development from Hangzhou Normal University, Mr. Avecilla plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and corporate sustainability. He actively collaborates with key industry stakeholders, manufacturers, and local government units to design holistic, comprehensive systems that accelerate waste reduction, boost resource recovery, and build a resilient circular economy in the country.

Mr. Harris Guevarra

Founder and CEO

Drink Sustainability Communication

Harris Guevarra is a sustainability strategist, entrepreneur, and communications leader dedicated to helping organizations integrate sustainability into business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and long-term value creation.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Drink Sustainability Communications, Basecheck Carbon Management Services, and Next Move, he leads multidisciplinary teams that support organizations in advancing ESG initiatives, sustainability reporting, carbon management, and sustainability-driven business transformation.

He holds a Master's degree in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Design from Brunel University London, a Business Sustainability Management certificate from the University of Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership, and is a fellow of the Westerwelle Foundation's Young Founders Programme in Berlin. He is also the author of two Filipino poetry collections.

Ms. Marie Antoinette Cortez

Senior Vice President

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Ms. Cortez is the Head of Corporate and Commercial Credit of BPI’s Institutional Banking Group (IBG). As a part of this role, she is responsible for the oversight of IBG’s specialized loan products, including Sustainable Development Finance and Structured Finance Divisions. She has over 25 years of banking experience in corporate coverage and credit roles.

Founded in 1851, Bank of the Philippine Islands is the first bank in the Philippines and in the Southeast Asian region. BPI is a universal bank and together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, it offers a wide range of financial products and solutions that serve both retail and corporate clients.

BPI's services include consumer banking and lending, asset management, payments, insurance, securities brokerage and distribution, foreign exchange, leasing, and corporate and investment banking.

Atty. Claudine Orocio-Isorena

Deputy Administrator

MWSS-RO

Atty. Claudine B. Orocio-Isorena is a Career Executive Service Eligible (CESE), currently serving her tenth year as a Regulator and Deputy Administrator for Administration and Legal Affairs of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO), a government-owned and controlled corporation, in charge of regulating Manila Water and Maynilad, the two private water concessionaires providing water and wastewater services in Metro Manila, Province of Rizal and parts of Cavite.

She obtained her Economics and Law degrees from the University of the Philippines, and placed 7th in the 2005 Bar Examinations.

She is a Gender and Development (GAD) advocate, and is the Chairperson of the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) of the MWSS RO since 2017. Under her leadership, the MWSS RO has been recognized for its exceptional efforts in gender and development mainstreaming. Hence, the MWSS RO received the GADtimpala Bronze Award for Outstanding Gender-Responsive Agency, as well as the GADtimpala Silver for exemplary GFPS or GADtimpala AlaGAD, conferred by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in August 2023.

Mr. Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta

Vice President, Investment Promotions and Marketing Department

Bases Conversion and Development Authority

Ken currently serves as the Vice President for the Investment Promotions and Marketing Department of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). In this role, he is responsible for developing the agency's comprehensive marketing plan aimed at achieving its corporate objectives. He leads the marketing and promotional activities for BCDA properties, economic zones, and investment projects, targeting both foreign and local investors.

Prior to his current position, Ken was the Vice President for the Business Development Department at BCDA. He also held the position of Head of the City Investment and Promotions Center for the City of San Juan Government. During his tenure there, he oversaw Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects and managed the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (MCI) for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Additionally, he spearheaded the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) programs in San Juan, focusing on the IT and Business Process Management (BPM) industry.

Ken also has extensive experience in tourism management, having served as Tourism Manager, Promotions and Marketing, and Executive Director at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for nine years.

He holds a master's degree in management from the University of the Philippines and a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from De La Salle University.

Dr. Nervy Santiago

President & CEO

Alterna Verde Corporation

Dr. Nervy C. Santiago is an accomplished sustainability professional with over two decades of experience in resource recovery, anaerobic digestion, and sustainable environmental technologies.

As President and CEO of Alterna Verde Corporation, he leads the development of innovative solutions in waste management, resource recovery, wastewater recycling, and biomass-to-energy conversion, with a focus on advancing practical approaches to the circular economy.

His multidisciplinary experience in agriculture, environmental sustainability, consultancy, compliance and business development enables him to bridge technical innovation with real world applications for a more sustainable and resilient industry.

Mr. Emerson John Tiu Ng

EPR Program and Marketing Manager

Geocycle

Engr. Emerson John Tiu Ng is an alumnus of Mapua Institute of Technology with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. He is a recipient of the Oscar Mapua Award and is also a silver medalist. He took his master’s degree in Science and Chemistry Major in Organic Chemistry & Natural Product Chemistry at the University of Santo Tomas.

He is currently an Oleochemicals Applications Manager at Chemrez Technologies Inc, and was a former Senior R&D Specialist at Green Cross Inc., a Senior Ag R&D Specialist in Stephan Company, a Technical Services Engineer at 3M, and a Senior Agrochemicals R&D Manager at Emery Oleochemicals GmbHHis expertise includes process design and implementation, service marketing and product development.

Mr. Noel Tañada

Vice President for Sustainability, Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP)/ President & CEO, Alpha DDSI/ Designer Creator

Ecohomeart

Noel F. Tañada is the President and CEO of Alpha Distinct Development Solutions Inc. (ALPHA DDSI) and Director for Design and Innovation of Wasto Integrated Solutions on Environment Inc. (WISE).

He is also the Vice President for Sustainability of the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP) and the creator of Tanglaw Roadsafe, an innovative road safety initiative that transforms discarded materials into sustainable road safety solutions He has extensive experience in design, having worked with global brands such as Ethan Allen, Crate & Barrel, and Ralph Lauren.

He has also contributed to the Filipino design community as a Furniture Design instructor at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and as Vice President for Education and a Board of Trustee member of CFIP.

Tañada holds several patents for innovative and sustainable products, including solar-powered lighting, multifunctional furniture, and accessibility devices. His work combines design, innovation, and sustainability, particularly through the development of products that turn plastic and agricultural waste into valuable, functional solutions.

Mr. Pete Delantar

President

Nature’s Legacy Eximport, Inc.

Pete is a multi-awarded Filipino inventor who continuously creates innovative material and social solutions to the resource misuse crisis in the Philippines, and around the world. As President and Co-Founder of Natures Legacy EximportInc, Pete is in the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, having invented and patented five globally-recognized core materials that make over 7,000 green products accessible for the home, for business, and for life. He is the first Filipino to acquire a U.S. Patent for his sustainable products.

Together with his wife, Cathy, their inventions speak volumes for them, many of which have received recognition like the 2015 Gold Invention Award in Geneva, Switzerland for patented material innovation Naturescast®. Naturescast® became the first product in the Philippine manufacturing industry to be Cradle to Cradle C2C Gold Level certified, and the higher Platinum Level for Material Health. This also makes it the first in Asia and in the décor category worldwide to achieve the highest Material Health rating. His other invention, Nucast® is the first Philippine-made eco-sustainable material featured in Material ConneXion, New York.

His firm belief in the practice of 360 Sustainability, which he defines as “each life being connected to the other”, steered Natures Legacy to the frontier of ethical labour and responsible sourcing practices long before the buzzwords were recognized. Together with his wife, Cathy, and their four children who also work in different fields of sustainability, Pete continues to find circular economy and product circularity solutions that will allow people and planet to thrive together in equal measure.

Katrina Blanca De Leon

Furniture Designer and Founder

genteelhome

Katrina Blanca De Leon serves as the Founder and Principal Designer of Genteel Home, a premier bespoke furniture atelier rooted in Pampanga. Since establishing the brand from a single commissioned project, she has built a reputation for crafting elegant, heirloom-quality pieces that celebrate local artisanship. An alumna of the Philippine School of Interior Design and recognized as one of People Asia’s Women of Style and Substance, Katrina is dedicated to elevating modern Philippine interior design by uplifting local craftsmen, utilizing sustainable local materials, and turning spaces into deep reflections of individual identity.

Ar. Maria Jennifer Sanchez

VP - External Affairs

Philippine Institute of Architects

Jen's lifelong passion for the arts led her to pursue Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. With over 25 years of experience in the built environment, she has been shaped by immersive collaborations with noteworthy colleagues and mentors.

She began her career under private practitioners and full-service firms, working on urban residential, mixed-use, and redevelopment projects. She later moved into project management for commercial interiors and residential work, then joined an architectural firm focused on high-rise residential and hospitality developments. Her career expanded globally as part of a foreign developer’s hospitality portfolio, followed by a corporate role managing properties across Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, the UK, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Today, she contributes to nation-building through consultancy, mentoring aspiring architects, and volunteering in initiatives that advance and protect the architectural profession. In her free time, she enjoys personal creative projects, photography, travel, and gastronomical delights.

Mr. Thomas Van Der Meulen

Managing Director

Control Union Philippine

Tom van der Meulen is the Managing Director of Control Union Philippines, part of the global Control Union Group, a leading provider of inspection, testing, certification, and sustainability assurance services. He works with manufacturers, retailers, exporters, agricultural producers, and supply chain stakeholders to help them meet international sustainability, quality, and compliance requirements.

With more than a decade of international experience across Europe, Middle East and Asia, Tom has supported organizations in navigating complex certification schemes, sustainability standards, responsible sourcing programs, and regulatory frameworks. His expertise spans food safety, sustainable agriculture, recycling and circular economy initiatives, ESG assurance, supply chain traceability, and market-access certifications.

Based in the Philippines, Tom actively works with businesses seeking to access global markets by aligning their operations with internationally recognized standards and certification programs. At SSX 2026, he will share practical insights on how companies can navigate green labels and certification pathways to meet retailer expectations, build consumer trust, and strengthen their competitive position in international markets.

Tatiana Santhachit

Regional Business Development Manager

APAC, ECOCERT

Tatiana SANTHACHIT, is in charge of the Home and Personal Care division in Southeast Asia at Ecocert, supporting brands and businesses in their sustainability and certification journeys. With expertise in cosmetics and home care products, she works closely with companies on certification schemes including COSMOS, NATRUE and Ecodetergents. In her role, she also contributes to business development and industry engagement, helping businesses better understand sustainability standards and turn their environmental commitments into credible, verifiable practices.

Mr. Raymund Aaron

Banana Chief

Villa Socorro Farm

Raymund Vincent F. Aaron is a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University and the Ateneo Graduate School of Business with a Masters in Entrepreneurship, Social Enterprise Development. He also holds a certificate for the Professional Chef Plus Program from the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA).

He is currently the Banana Chief of Villa Socorro Farm. Also a parttime lecturer on topics including Agribusiness and Marketing for organizations such as International School of Sustainable Tourism, Bayan Academy, Ateneo de Manila University and Ateneo Graduate School of Business. He is a 2019 Mansmith and Fielders, Young Market Masters Awardee for Advocacy Marketing, an Asia New Zealand Foundation Young Business Leaders Initiative Member, 2026 Agora Awardee for Social Entrepreneurship and The Banana Chief

Eman Noel Cañada

Program Specialist on Knowledge and Technology Transfer of Emerging Innovation for Growth Department

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA

Engr. Eman Noel G. Cañada is an Agricultural Engineer and holds a Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development from the Asian Institute of Technology. He currently serves as a Program Specialist on Knowledge and Technology Transfer under the Emerging Innovation for Growth Department of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

Prior to joining SEARCA, he served as a Science Research Specialist at the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), where he was involved in agricultural research and development management, technology transfer and promotion, project monitoring and evaluation, and the coordination of agricultural innovation initiatives.

His experience covers agricultural mechanization, postharvest technologies, climate and disaster resilience, sustainable resource management, and community-based technology deployment. His work focuses on strengthening the linkages between research, innovation, and practical applications that contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

Mr. Dave Pascual

Community Value

Chopvalue Philippines

David Pascual is a sustainability and partnerships professional passionate about building meaningful connections between businesses, communities, and environmental initiatives. His work focuses on scaling circular economy programs, developing enterprise partnerships, and transforming discarded materials into valuable products. He believes sustainability becomes more impactful when it is practical, collaborative, and creates value for both people and the planet.

Mr. Mark Timothy Pagaduan

Founder

Telacyle Philippines

Mark Timothy Pagaduan is a sustainability entrepreneur, leadership trainer, and business coach dedicated to driving social impact through circular economy solutions. He is the founder of Tela Cycle, a textile waste recycling social enterprise, co-founder of Reztyle Fashion Enterprises, and the founder of Blue Compass Training and Consultancy. Backed by a degree in Psychology and specialized training from institutions like Ateneo de Manila Graduate School and the University of the Philippines, Mark combines over two decades of corporate leadership experience in HR and operations with a passion for values-aligned, sustainable business development.

Ms. Pamela Meji

Founder

PAMMÉ & FIBERS

Pamela Nicole Mejia is the Founder of Phinix, a fashion social enterprise dedicated to advancing circularity and waste reduction in the textile industry. A graduate in Clothing Technology from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Pamela established Phinix to upcycle textile scraps into higher-value products like footwear, accessories, and eco-friendly homeware materials in partnership with local artisans and marginalized communities. Her work has earned international accolades, including recognition from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Tatler Asia.

Dr. Marianito Margarito

Chief of Materials Science Division

DOST-ITDI

Dr. MARIANITO T. MARGARITO is the Chief Science Research Specialist of the Materials Science Division or MSD and currently the officer-in-charge, office of the deputy director for Research and Development of the Industrial Technology Development Institute or ITDI, one of the research institute of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology or DOST.

He is a licensed chemical engineer with Bachelor’s Degree and PhD in chemical engineering and Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering. Dr. Margarito is a member of the Bureau of the Philippine Standards - Technical Committee on Paints and Varnishes (BPS TC 25), Nanotechnology (BPS TC 85) and additive manufacturing (BPS TC 88). He is also a member of the ISO TC 261 and ASTM F42 Technical Committees on Additive Manufacturing and was recently recognized by the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International Center of Excellence as one of the Young Professional in Additive Manufacturing Awardee given on Oct 8, 2025 during the awards night of the International Conference on Additive Manufacturing (ICAM 2025) held at Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America for driving AM development and standardization initiatives across Southeast Asia. He has implemented several projects on additive manufacturing, membrane technology and coatings.

Ms. Priya Thachadi

Co-founder & CEO

Villgro Philippines

Priya is an entrepreneur, investor and gender advocate working across South and Southeast Asia. She is the co-founder and CEO of Villgro Philippines, an early stage impact incubator that funds, mentors and nurtures social entrepreneurs, having supported more than 200 entrepreneurs across the region.

Priya is a passionate advocate for gender equity with a focus on unlocking capital to fuel the ambitions of women entrepreneurs. She co-founded and runs the Nüshu Network, an award winning platform for women entrepreneurs across Asia to connect to capital, coaching and community with 800+ members. Priya is the Chair of ANDE - East and Southeast Asia Regional Advisory Committee and a member of ANDE's Global Advisory Committee, championing the development of an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Priya's work is focused on building innovative financing structures to unlock capital for the Missing Middle and supporting underrepresented Entrepreneurs. In 2020, she was recognized as a Youth Gender Champion by the UN Women WEPs Awards and also awarded the UN Women WEPs Awards for Innovative Financing in 2024 for her work towards closing the gender finance gap.

Ms. Faith Nacarato

President and Chief Client Officer

Oikos Sustainable Packaging

Faith Nacarato is Co-Founder and President of Oikos Sustainable Solutions, a Filipino women-led and women-owned manufacturing company producing plant-based and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. She leads Oikos' commercial strategy and works with companies across retail, food, hospitality, and consumer sectors to transition to more sustainable packaging. Her work focuses on a central challenge in green innovation: making environmentally credible solutions commercially viable, scalable, and affordable.

Ms. Alwyn Rosel

Executive Director

QBO Innovation Hub & IdeaSpace

Alwyn Joy Rosel is an innovation leader with over a decade of experience in the startup industry, focused on advancing the Philippine startup ecosystem, guiding ventures from idea stage to scaling, and forging impactful cross-sector partnerships.

As Executive Director of IdeaSpace and QBO Innovation, she leads overall strategic execution and day-to-day operations. She provides complete fiscal oversight and directs cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless execution of key innovation efforts, strategic initiatives, and core organizational projects—overseeing an ecosystem platform that has supported over 700 ventures and accelerated 250+ tech startups nationwide. At the core of her work is driving stakeholder engagement and ecosystem building—Alwyn actively builds relationships across the public and private sectors, aligning government agencies, corporations, investors, and international partners to unlock funding, resources, and growth opportunities for Philippine startups.

Representing IdeaSpace and QBO across local, regional, and international forums, she actively engages with the tech community as a speaker, panelist, competition judge, and mentor. In these roles, she provides strategic direction and guidance to founders, ecosystem peers, and partner institutions—evaluating early-stage ideas, student innovations, and scaling ventures while sharing insights on the Philippine startup landscape, key technology initiatives, and flagship incubation and acceleration programs.

Beyond her leadership at IdeaSpace and QBO, Alwyn serves as a consultant for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). In this capacity, she advises on technology commercialization and startup incubation, evaluating high-potential projects and supporting the establishment of innovation centers to strengthen the country’s research, development, and technology landscape.

Dr. Annabelle V. Briones

Director

DOST-ITDI

Dr. ANNABELLE V. BRIONES is the Director of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST). She is at the forefront of leading the Institute to make local industries globally competitive through research and development, transfer and commercialization of innovative and sustainable technologies, and appropriate technical services.

She earned her doctorate in Engineering from Keio University, Japan, and a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines. She obtained her B.S. in chemistry at Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro.

In 2017, she was conferred Scientist I of the Scientific Career System by the Philippine National Academy of Science and Technology and a Career Executive Service Officer (CESO), rank III by the Philippine Career Executive Service Board (CESB).

She represented the country in various international symposia and conferences and authored 18 publications (principal author) and 11 publications as co-author. She is also an inventor and one of her researches is the Philippine Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal (OL) Trap system, selected as a finalist of the 2016 R&D 100 Awards (The Oscars of Invention) by R&D World Magazine.

She also received the award as Woman Leader of DOST in 2019, a recipient of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award (group category) in 2014, and a 2016 NRCP Achievement Awardee. In 2020, the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PHILAAST) bestowed her with the Gregorio Zara Award for Applied Research, and the Asian Scientist Magazine recognized her accomplishments as one of the most outstanding scientists in the region in their 2021 edition of the Asian Scientist 100 list. The Japan Alumni Association of the Philippines honored her as a 2022 Outstanding Filipino JSPS Fellow.

Currently, she handles the initial DOST-ITDI projects on Virology while awaiting the passage of the VIP bill.

Atty. Maria Katrina Rivera

Assistant Director

DTI - Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB)

Atty. Maria Katrina D. Rivera is the Assistant Director of the Department of Trade and Industry - Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), bringing with her extensive experience in policy , international trade law, international relations, and intellectual property.

Before joining the DTI-EMB, Atty. Rivera served as the Division Chief of the Policy Research and International Affairs Division of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). In this role, she led the Office’s international engagements at multilateral, regional, and bilateral levels, playing a key role in free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations and shaping IPOPHL’s stance on legislative measures affecting the country’s intellectual property framework.

Prior to her tenure at IPOPHL, she was the Assistant Division Chief of the International Relations Division at the DTI-Board of Investments, where she gained extensive experience in policy development and international trade relations. Her work contributed to strengthening the Philippines’ trade and investment landscape through strategic international engagements and initiatives.

Atty. Rivera holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Arellano University School of Law and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines Manila. In 2022, she earned a Master's degree in Intellectual Property and New Technologies from Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, expanding her knowledge of trade and intellectual property.