SDSN Philippines and Business for Sustainable Development Host Screening of Beyond Zero
The Journey to Regenerative Business: Leadership and Vision in Corporate Sustainability brought together Philippine business leaders to reflect on the film and explore how to embed sustainability at the core of corporate strategy.
On July 28, 2025, leaders of the Philippine business sector gathered at De La Salle University for a day of discourse, reflection, and putting thought into action. “The Journey to Regenerative Business - Leadership and Vision in Corporate Sustainability” was organized by Business for Sustainable Development (BSD), in collaboration with De La Salle University and Sustainable Development Solutions Network Philippines (SDSN Philippines).
Arch. Ryan Chai Cabañez of PALAFOX invited guests to rethink what their organizations stand for, and whether at their core, they bring value to their respective fields. As BSD empowers its members, he envisions a future where sustainable practices are the norm.
Film Screening & Panel Discussion
A grounding segment featured a special screening of Beyond Zero, a film directed and produced by Nathan Havey. The documentary follows Ray Anderson, visionary founder of Interface, and tells the story of how the global manufacturing company pivoted “from [self-proclaimed] plunderers to protectors,” reimagining the role of business in addressing environmental challenges. The film shows that it is possible to reverse harmful practices and instead embark on a mission to help save the planet.
Following the screening, a panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Raoul S. Pérez, Executive Director of BSD. Panelists included: Ms. Ma Victoria Tan, Executive Director of the Group Sustainability and Risk Management Unit of Ayala Corporation; Mr. Joseph Rosal, Director of Sustainability-Hub Manila for DLSU; Mr. Rafael A.S.G. Ongpin, Executive Director of the Makati Business Club; and Mr. Neil Ian Lumanian, Consultant – Circular Economy & Carbon Removal, SUSTAINOVA.
Representing leading organizations across the private sector, academia, and civil society, the panelists echoed the film’s message: “It is not enough to do no harm to the environment; we must save it.” Mr. Ongpin emphasized the power of storytelling to inspire action. Mr. Rosal reminded the audience that systemic change requires collaboration and community. Change has to be done with the community in mind. Ms. Tan reflected on how sustainability, once driven by compliance and trends, is now driven by vision and opportunity. It has been exciting to be proactive instead of reactive. Mr. Lumanian spoke about the path forward, emphasizing regeneration and renewable practices.
Special Presentations
During the afternoon session, a series of presentations explored practical pathways to sustainability: Mr. Antonio Carlos Maralit, Country Manager of SDSN Philippines, presented the network’s mission to create platforms for knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and scalable SDG-centered solutions, both locally and globally. Mr. Arvind Agawalla, Founder & CEO of FACT Software Group of Companies, demonstrated FACT ERP.NG, a comprehensive digital platform for carbon accounting, circularity tracking, ESG analysis, and Scope 1, 2, & 3 reporting.
Ms. Raelanie Loyola introduced BSD’s Gabay Kalikasan Business Strategy Program, a nature-based strategy initiative aligned with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), and ACT-D frameworks. BDS is currently accepting partnership inquiries. Mr. Paolo Tolentino from the Environmental Programs Management Department of Landbank of the Philippines shared their Sustainability success story. He outlined four key strategies: 1) Policy-based monitoring, 2) Risk mitigation, 3) Expansion of sustainable financing solutions, and 4) Strategic partnerships.
Dr. Anthony Chiu, Vice President for External Relations and Internationalization at DLSU, delivered the closing remarks. He shared insights from his local and global experience advancing the SDGs and sustainable development.
The event served as a launchpad for transformation and transition. The urgency of the climate crisis and the reality that there is no Planet B underscore the need for bold action. Participants left with renewed resolve to revisit existing business models, integrate sustainability at their core, and draw inspiration from success stories proving that the impossible is within reach.
About the Organizers
The Business for Sustainable Development (BSD) empowers Philippine businesses to address their environmental challenges and integrate. sustainability into their operations. The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Philippines, hosted by De La Salle University, connects academic institutions, civil society, government, and business to drive action on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). DLSU’s efforts are further supported by its University Sustainability Office (USO).
