A practical operational guide to mitigating high commercial electricity rates through the adoption of cost-effective rooftop solar installations, energy-efficient manufacturing machinery, and carbon-reduction frameworks designed to instantly lower monthly operational overhead.

A step-by-step training session that simplifies the math behind the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, enabling MSMEs to build the verified environmental performance baselines that international buyers require.

Discover how hospitality, retail, and light manufacturing sectors can utilize affordable digital energy management software and eco-friendly construction materials to reduce waste and optimize commercial utility bills.

Speakers:

Mr. Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta — Vice President, Investment Promotions and Marketing Department · Bases Conversion and Development Authority

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.

Clear operational protocols for hotels, resorts, and food service establishments to systematically eliminate single-use plastics, streamline hospitality waste systems, and safely transition to certified local sustainable suppliers.

Speakers:

Ms. Alita Sangalang — Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist · DENR - Biodiversity Management Bureau- Coastal and Marine Division

Ms. Alita Sangalang

Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist

DENR - Biodiversity Management Bureau- Coastal and Marine Division

Ms. Alita Sangalang is a graduate of Civil Engineering and holds a Master’s degree from the University of the Philippines. She began her government service with the country’s national mapping agency and, in 2015, transferred to the DENR–Biodiversity Management Bureau.

She formulates policies, guidelines, plans, and programs related to Integrated Coastal Management and stakeholder engagement in and marine litter management in the context of biodiversity conservation. She provides technical assistance to DENR offices and other stakeholders.

Ms. Sangalang actively shares her expertise as a resource speaker in various events and activities, promoting best practices and exchanging knowledge on biodiversity conservation both locally and internationally.

With many years dedicated to protected area management, biodiversity conservation, and marine litter management in the context of biodiversity conservation, she continues to pursue meaningful and impactful work for the environment. She upholds integrity, values continuous learning, and finds fulfilment in serving the government, her family, and the broader community.

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Mr. Benito C. Bengzon Jr. — Executive Director · Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA)

Mr. Benito C. Bengzon Jr.

Executive Director

Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA)

Mr. Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. has almost 40 years of experience in tourism and hospitality. His expertise covers tourism planning, strategy formulation, bilateral negotiations, marketing and investment promotion. He is currently the Executive Director of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, a leading organization composed of owners, developers and operators of 221 hotels all over the country. PHOA recently organized the Philippine Hotel Connect on July 24-25, 2025 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, which is considered the largest gathering of hotel owners and investors in the country.

Before joining the private sector, he was a career Undersecretary at the Department of Tourism where he was in charge of planning, policy formulation, marketing and product development. During his stint at the DOT, he created the Route Development team which spearheaded charter flights from China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan to various airports around the country including to Bohol. His team was also responsible for winning the bid to host the prestigious Routes Asia, which was held in Manila in 2016 and Cebu in 2019.

As DOT Undersecretary, he was a board member of various agencies including the Tourism Promotions Board, Duty Free Philippines, Civil Aeronautics Board, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority and Clark International Airport Corporation. Mr. Bengzon was also a member of the Philippine air panel, which successfully negotiated for new routes to various destinations.

Mr. Bengzon is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman BS Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He also took up his Masters in Business Administration at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and Masters in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines. He is currently enrolled in the Doctorate in Public Administration program in UP Diliman.

Mr. Bengzon is currently also the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Maldives in Manila.

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Ms. Grace Flores — Sales and Marketing Head · Lastic

Learn how food processors and agribusinesses can integrate low-impact manufacturing methodologies with precision agriculture to secure a stable, high-yield raw material supply that complies with global export regulations.

An educational session on how to formulate functional alternative foods, implement chemical-free processing, and use bio-ingredient alternatives to qualify for strict international health and organic food markets.

An overview of the commercial viability and structural properties of cassava, cornstarch, and seaweed-based packaging alternatives designed to help consumer retail and food brands transition away from non-recyclable materials.

A clear, step-by-step administrative guide explaining how medium and large consumer brands can accurately track, audit, and submit their plastic footprint metrics to fulfill DENR compliance mandates without administrative delays.

Speakers:

Mr. Rolando "Chock" Enoc — Supervising Environmental Management Specialist (SEMS) · DENR Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB)

Mr. Rolando "Chock" 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.

Ms. Athalie Reyes · PCX Solutions

Mr. Zed Avecilla — Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program Director · Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS)

Designed for SMEs across manufacturing, retail, and consumer goods, this session provides a practical roadmap to collect operational data, satisfy Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law requirements, and adopt GRI frameworks. Learn how to leverage strategic ESG storytelling, turn compliance metrics into market credibility and growth.

Learn how to structure capital expenditure documents, calculate green returns on investment (ROI), and present clear sustainability metrics to pass strict bank credit assessments and access low-interest eco-loans.

Speakers:

Ms. Marie Antoinette Cortez — Senior Vice President · Bank of the Philippine Islands

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.

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Mr. Robert Bastillo — President/CEO · Small Business Corporation

Discover how industrial export zones and manufacturing plants are treating and reusing wastewater while converting organic materials into internal energy to optimize operations.

A review of active operational case studies showing how manufacturing hubs collect discarded paper, wood chips, and organic production waste to power their internal steam systems and boilers, reducing heavy dependence on commercial fuels.

Speakers:

Mr. Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta — Vice President, Investment Promotions and Marketing Department · Bases Conversion and Development Authority

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.

Mr. Emerson John Tiu Ng — EPR Program and Marketing Manager · Geocycle

Mr. Leovi Andrei Mendoza — Chief Marketing Officer · Alterra Verde

Learn how to blend sustainable design principles into local furniture and handicraft manufacturing, utilizing sustainable materials to meet the strict aesthetic and green certification expectations of high-end international buyers.

A clear regulatory guide mapping out the administrative and scientific testing requirements needed to achieve globally recognized eco-stamps such as FSC for wood/paper or OEKO-TEX for textiles to secure high-value shelf space in Western retail markets.

Speakers:

Mr. Thomas Van Der Meulen — Managing Director · Control Union Philippine

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.

Discover technical approaches to processing raw farm byproducts such as coconut husks, fruit peels, and rice hulls into valuable, market-ready chemical or industrial materials.

Speakers:

Dr. Emil John Cabrera — Head of Emerging Innovation for Growth Department (EIGD) · SEARCA

Mr. Raymund Aaron — Banana Chief · Villa Socorro Farm

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

A showcase on how digital temperature monitoring devices, mobile applications, and blockchain registries can prevent food spoilage during transit while providing undeniable proof of compliance to international customs officials.

Strategic business insights from successful entrepreneurs who have scaled commercial enterprises by designing high-value retail products out of manufacturing leftovers, fabric scraps, and recycled fibers.

Learn how sustainable industrial zones structure manufacturing neighborhoods so that the thermal energy, wastewater, or solid material leftovers of one factory immediately serve as the affordable raw materials for an adjacent facility.

Discussing institutional pathways to connect early-stage sustainable technology inventors with structured corporate sandboxes, public testing grants, and investment networks, and workforce development initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurial talent, green and digital skills, and the commercialization of sustainable solutions.

Presenters:

Ms. Brenda Valerio — Director of Venture Suppor · Villgro Philippines

Ms. Brenda Valerio

Director of Venture Suppor

Villgro Philippines

Brenda is the Director of Venture Support at Villgro Philippines. She has over 12 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs across technology, climate, and clean energy, with a focus on incubation, acceleration, market access, and investment readiness. Prior to Villgro, she led New Energy Nexus Philippines, supporting clean energy enterprises and building partnerships across government, industry, and finance.

Speakers:

Ms. Priya Thachadi — Co-founder & CEO · Villgro Philippines

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.

A coordination session working to unify and align documentation requirements across DENR and DOST to reduce operational delays and eliminate repetitive paperwork for local green exporters.