Have you ever stopped to look at your children and wonder what kind of future they’ll inherit? Will they breathe cleaner air than we do? Will they have enough food to eat, safe communities to grow in, and forests to explore? As a mother, these questions keep me up at night. I’ve spent years joining clean-up drives, speaking up for our environment, and sharing posts about protecting our natural resources—but I often felt like I was shouting into the wind. And I’ve come to realize something crucial: I can’t do it alone.
“Act, it’s not too late for everything. This is our battle. Don’t just blame the government—we are all liable.” I’ve said these words before, but it wasn’t until I joined a recent sustainability virtual workshop that I truly understood what they mean.
Recently, I was lucky enough to be selected as a participant in an online workshop on sustainability, organized by Roar Agile Communicators, Comm & Sense, and BDO. The sessions opened my eyes to how many others are fighting this same fight—and how we can work together to create real change.
Understanding the Blueprint for Change: The SDGs
Ms. Andreana Gabrielle S. David, Programme Officer of UP-CIFAL, led a discussion on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a set of 17 interconnected principles designed to build a better and more sustainable future for all. The SDGs cover everything from eradicating poverty and hunger to ensuring clean water, affordable clean energy, climate action, and protecting life on land and below water. For the Philippines, these goals are particularly critical: as a nation vulnerable to climate change, with communities facing challenges in access to basic services, the SDGs provide a roadmap to address both social inequities and environmental threats, ensuring no one is left behind.
Business as a Force for Good: How BDO is Leading the Way
As the country’s largest bank, BDO has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable development. Marla Garin-Alvarez, First Vice President and BDO Sustainability Officer, explained why sustainability is the way forward for the institution. At its core, sustainability is guided by the principle: “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.”
BDO integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices across its operations, earning recognition from reputable bodies like the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard and the Sustainability Reporting Awards. True to its tagline “We Find Ways,” the bank has launched initiatives like the Blue Bond—the Philippines’ first of its kind, which funds projects focused on marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. Its Sustainable Finance Framework ensures that all loan applications are assessed for environmental impact, while programs like housing loans for solar panel installations and tree-adoption partnerships with Haribon Foundation empower both employees and customers to take action. The bank also trains its workforce on the SDGs to embed sustainability in every aspect of its work.
Amplifying the Message: Communicating Sustainability Right
Malou Talosig-Bartolome, Columnist and Diplomatic Correspondent of Business Mirror, tackled how to share sustainability stories effectively on social media. She emphasized that content must be accurate, relatable, and impactful. “Living in a way that meets our needs today without compromising the needs of future generations—while protecting the environment,” she noted, highlighting that every post has the power to influence. For content creators and advocates alike, non-negotiables include using credible sources, reliable data, and being transparent about both progress and challenges.
We All Have a Role to Play—Even in Small Ways
The workshop drove home a powerful truth: no matter your age or background, you have the power to make a difference. Leadership cannot do it alone, companies cannot do it alone. The real power lies with the people to protect our people and planet.
You don’t need to launch large initiatives to contribute—simple daily actions can create meaningful impact:
- At home: Use reusable containers for leftovers instead of plastic bags or wraps; switch off lights and unplug devices when not in use; compost fruit and vegetable peels in a small bin or through a community compost program.
- When shopping: Bring your own eco-bags and water bottle; choose locally grown produce at wet markets to cut down on transport emissions; avoid single-use items like straws and disposable cutlery.
- In your community: Join or organize small clean-up drives in your barangay or local park; share accurate sustainability information with family and friends; support local businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices.
- At work or school: Print only when necessary and use both sides of the paper; start a “swap corner” for books, clothes, or school supplies; advocate for waste segregation in your institution.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres puts it: “Humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas, and contributions of youth everywhere. Today and every day let's support and stand with young people in shaping a just and sustainable world for people and planet.”
Our children don’t just need us to worry about their future—they need us to act for it. Whether you’re a parent, a student, a professional, or someone who simply cares, there’s a place for you in this fight. Let’s make sure the world we leave behind is one our kids will be proud to call home.
