Business groups show support to PH’s shared prosperity vision
SM Prime’s Hans Sy urged groups to protect the environment and improve resiliency
Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) underscored the importance of the business sector’s commitment to the environment in emerging strong against the COVID-19 pandemic during the launch of the Philippine Business Community’s “Covenant for Shared Prosperity” on November 5 via Zoom.
“We are in the midst of COVID-19 health crisis but as early as now, we can seize the opportunity and recognize that caring for the environment along with climate change adaptation play a crucial role in emerging strong from this pandemic and helping the economy adapt to the new normal. Environment recovery means economic recovery,” Mr. Sy said in his speech.
During the forum organized by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Mr. Sy furthered that business operations “will never be the same again” as adapting to the new normal requires innovation and transformation. He also noted that many companies are on their way to a greener path wherein digital technology is being utilized and the benefits of circularity are being enjoyed.
“In the past eight months during this pandemic, digital technology and digital transformation assisted our business to cope with the social distancing measures and shared business continuity and delivery services. Post COVID-19, the human landscape will continue to be reliant on digitization and these eco-friendly tools, products, and services will be the norm,” he added.
He also encouraged other business groups to carry on the responsibility of safeguarding the environment amid the pandemic through the use of science and technology-based solutions. “Throughout the years we have proven that our commitment to the environment runs very deep and extends to large investments on science and technology-based methods. This ensures our company is able to sustain its development with the least harm to the resources meant for our future generation to enjoy,” he remarked.
The forum, which was moderated by Mr. Rex C. Drilon II, Member, MAP Shared Prosperity Committee, and Chair, Institute of Corporate Directors, was attended by the members of the MAP as well as the media. Panelists included Atty. Emilio B. Aquino, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and, Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala II, Chairman, and CEO of Ayala Corporation.
During the forum, the members showed their copies of the manifesto signed by 26 business associations in support of the government’s collective long-term vision and aspirations as represented by the “AmBisyon Natin 2040” amid the COVID-19 crisis. The event also served as a platform for the private sector to discuss how businesses can help in addressing the impact of the pandemic in the country by putting importance on shared prosperity and instituting inclusive development in addressing inequity.
Advocating for DRR to build a more sustainable future
As a staunch advocate of disaster resiliency in the country, Mr. Sy emphasized the importance of disaster risk resilience in building a sustainable future for the next generations. He shared SM Prime’s sustainable business practices across all its shopping malls, along with its other residential, commercial, and office buildings as well as their hotel convention centers and sports arena.
“Since the early 1900s, SM has been promoting environment-friendly initiatives in our business operations,” he said. “The earth we’re built on, the air we breathe, the energy and water we use, the better resources that keep us alive compel us to do better for the community and retain the confidence of our stakeholders.”
As he closed, Mr. Sy encouraged business groups to be the stewards of the environment and to create a mindset for quality of life that requires a healthy environment– one that is sustainable and good for business. He also emphasized each one’s role and strength to share in building and fostering their commitment to heed the government’s call to support the environment and climate change actions.
“We must bring about shared prosperity and drive sustainable economic growth and inclusive development that is viable for the future. This is to revitalize our economy for all of us, the Filipino people,” Mr. Sy concluded.
