MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In the face of global warming and climate challenges affecting vulnerable sectors, the pursuit of sustainability demands united efforts anchored on innovative, holistic, and sustainable solutions.
Cognizant of the pivotal role of businesses and organizations in driving sustainability initiatives to achieve inclusive and long-term sustainability goals, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has unveiled the winners of the 2023 Europa Awards during its award ceremony at Raffles and Fairmont Makati.
Now in its third year, the Europa Awards continues its tradition of honoring European and non-European companies operating in the country for their exceptional performance and contributions in promoting sustainability in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Philippine Development Plan.
In the first in-person awarding of the Europa Awards since its inception in 2021, the Chamber celebrated the following award recipients:
- Clean and Green Energy: Maynilad Water Services Inc.
- Digitalization for Sustainability: Holcim Philippines, Inc.
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation: Manila Water Company, Inc.
- Green and Inclusive Finance Solutions: ING Bank N.V. Manila Branch
- Green Buildings: NEO
- Smart and Safer Mobility: Bosch Service Solutions, Inc.
- Startup for Sustainability: Buskowitz Energy Inc.
- Sustainable Agri-Food: Puratos Philippines, Inc.
- Waste Management: Newport World Resorts
- Water Resource Management: Holcim Philippines, Inc.
During the grand awarding ceremony, Holcim Philippines bagged two awards for the categories of Digitalization for Sustainability and Water Resource Management.
“Thank you to the organizers for the recognition. These awards further encourage us to accelerate our transformation anchored on sustainability and innovation to win with purpose and help build progress in the Philippines,” said Holcim Philippines President and CEO Horia Adrian.
For Clean and Green Energy winner Maynilad Water, its commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in its operations as explained by Atty. Roel Espiritu, Vice President and Head for Quality, Sustainability, and Resiliency. “Maynilad’s journey began with a vision to redefine the way we harness and utilize water resources. And today, we find ourselves at the forefront of capitalizing on technologies that contribute to a cleaner and greener future.”
From the banking sector, ING Bank N.V. Manila Branch won the award for Green and Inclusive Finance Solutions with their initiatives towards a net-zero future. “We are honored to be recognized by the ECCP for our sustainability efforts. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do and we cannot do it alone. Working with our partners, businesses and the community will be key as we accelerate our path to net-zero,” said Country Manager Jun Palanca.
“At Bosch, we believe that the more a company commits to sustainable technologies, the more economically successful it will be in the future,” said Mamadou Kone, Managing Director at Bosch Philippines, who clinched the Smart and Safer Mobility category. “We are convinced that sustainability must be a non-negotiable part of doing business.”
