Background

On October 4, 2024, The League of Corporate Foundation, together with its partners SWITCH-Asia and ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA), held a Kapihan sa LCF Session entitled “Circular Economy: A Practical, Responsible Business Opportunity” via Zoom. The event brought together panel speakers from across industries to explore how businesses can embrace a practical and responsible business opportunity. A total of 41 attendees representing a wide range of organizations across various sectors were in attendance.

The learning session covered key topics related to the circular economy and responsible business practices in Southeast Asia. Ms. Loraine Gatbalayan, Senior Expert at SWITCH-Asia, discussed SWITCH-Asia’s support for the circular economy and recent policy developments in the Philippines. Mr. Thomas Thomas, Co-convenor of ACEBA and Senior Expert at SWITCH-Asia, spoke about the evolving ASEAN landscape for inclusive and responsible business practices. Mr. Rene Van Berkel, Co-convenor of ACEBA, focused on the circular economy as a responsible business opportunity in Southeast Asia. Mr. Sebastian C. Quiniones, Jr., Executive Director of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and LCF Board Chairperson, welcomed the attendees, and Mr. Edric Calma, Vice President of Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. and LCF Board Trustee, delivered the closing message. 

Further, the  session showcased two key examples of circular economy business practices in the Philippines. The featured speakerswere Ms. Anna Lagon, Co-founder of Bayo Manila, and Ms. Leah Magallanes, Vice President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.

As the Philippines continues its journey toward a more circular and sustainable economy, events like Kapihan sa LCF serve as important platforms for knowledge-sharing, cooperation, and innovation. The conversations at this event focused on the role that company leadership will play in spearheading the transformation of opportunities that await those that are open to adopting these new frameworks.