ORMOC CITY – The Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) has expanded its membership to 41 private companies after welcoming eight new members this year, underscoring the growing commitment of the Philippine business sector to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
The announcement was made during the 2025 Philippine Net Zero Conference held on September 18 at SMX Aura, Taguig City, which gathered business leaders, government officials, and climate advocates to discuss challenges and share solutions in the country’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Now on its fourth year, the conference—organized by NZCA with support from the Southeast Asia Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx)—shifted focus from corporate pledges to practical actions. This year’s sessions provided companies with technical guidance, case studies, and partnership opportunities to accelerate their decarbonization programs.
Launched in 2021 by First Gen Corporation, NZCA began with seven founding members and has since shown consistent growth: seven new members each in 2022 and 2023, 12 in 2024, and eight this year. It also collaborates with eight partner enablers, including the Climate Change Commission, Eco-Business, and the Oscar M. Lopez Center.
Led by Atty. Allan Barcena, Executive Director, and Frances L. Ariola, Lead Convenor, the alliance unites companies from diverse sectors—energy, ICT, aviation, construction, education, consumer goods, and manufacturing—all working toward measurable carbon reduction and sustainability goals.
“Businesses are central to meeting the Philippines’ climate commitments, but many still face challenges in funding, technology, and tools to put net-zero strategies in place,” NZCA organizers said in a statement.
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla delivered the keynote address, joined by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin and Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel Alba, author of the proposed Low Carbon Economy Investment Bill. International experts such as Makoto Kato of Japan’s Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center and Amanpreet Singh of MUFG Bank APAC also discussed how sustainability drives both economic and environmental resilience.
The Philippines, one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies yet among the most climate-vulnerable nations, has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement.
Formed by First Gen Corporation, NZCA provides a six-step framework to guide businesses in measuring, reducing, and offsetting their carbon footprint. This year, the alliance released its first Impact Report, which highlighted the emissions reduction progress and sustainability milestones of its pioneer members.
“The steady growth of NZCA reflects the rising commitment of businesses to protect the environment while keeping operations sustainable,” the alliance said.
The conference also featured CDx Fishbowl Sessions, interactive discussions that encouraged knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving to address corporate decarbonization challenges.
Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a subsidiary of First Gen and the country’s leading producer of 100% renewable energy, continues to play a central role in supporting NZCA’s mission.
EDC’s total capacity of 1,388.8 megawatts accounts for nearly 17% of the Philippines’ renewable energy output, derived from: geothermal: 1,094.8 MW; wind: 150 MW; hydro: 132 MW; and solar: 12 MW.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
