Government and private sector environment advocates urged the adoption of digital technologies to transform industries and government bureaucracies into sustainable enterprises.
“We can look at information communication technology (ICT) so that we can accelerate our climate action. ICT is very relevant in climate monitoring. Information pertaining to climate, weather, precipitation, pollution and disasters is critically important in understanding climate change and its impact on the environment,” said Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change, in her remarks at Earth Day forum organized by Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) and Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST).
Dr. Carlos Primo David, PBEST convenor, concurred and said “businesses possess the same characteristics that are required to solve environmental and societal problems, such as being more efficient, using monitoring and evaluation tools, key performance indicators, putting in risk management processes, and, most importantly, embracing technology and innovation in the process.”
“We encourage the private sector to further expand their sustainability efforts, work with the government, and directly address the sustainability of the country and of the entire planet,” David said.
Yoly Crisanto, Globe Telecom senior vice president for Corporate Communications and chief sustainability officer, said the company supports digitalization and transformation of industries.
“Globe has been leading in the digital transformation through its various products like Gcash, Konsulta MD, Tele health, telemedicine. Stakeholder engagement in terms of our management systems is now a more systemic approach,” Crisanto said.
Stratbase ADRi president Dindo Manhit for his part called for the need for the synergy of good policy, all-sectoral cooperation, and innovative technologies in creating a sustainable economic culture that will build inclusive prosperity.
Manhit said this can be done by responsibly harnessing natural resources, effectively controlling pollution, integrating energy-efficient infrastructures, and administered under good governance and upright social values.
“The Philippines must pursue a `green’ and sustainable economy that would harness new innovations and strategies for economic growth, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and public health,” Manhit said.
