The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE), in partnership with the UPLB Interdisciplinary Life Cycle Assessment Laboratory (ILCAL) as its technical arm, officially launched the Philippine National Consortium on Net Zero Initiative on June 19 at De La Salle University. This groundbreaking initiative was established in response to the urgent call for climate action in the Philippines, aligning with the ambitious targets of the United Nations Race to Zero (R2Z) Campaign to achieve a net-zero carbon world by 2050.

Dr. Nathaniel Dugos, a DLSU professor and PIChE National President, opened the event, emphasizing that the consortium is more than just a partnership—it's a movement. Following his remarks, Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan, UPLB Vice-Chancellor for Research and Extension, formally welcomed the participants, underscoring the critical need for collaborative action to achieve a net-zero future.

The event featured notable addresses from three distinguished government officials, each highlighting their ongoing efforts in climate resiliency and environmental sustainability. Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, highlighted her committee's efforts and initiatives to combat climate change, including the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 and the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018. She stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and taking necessary steps to mitigate its effects. She underscored the protective role of wetlands, citing the case of Typhoon Yolanda in Samar and Leyte. She noted that wetland forests play a critical role in the net zero initiative by sequestering large volumes of greenhouse gases, with their soil capable of holding up to four times as much carbon as other tropical trees.

Congressman Jose Manuel F. Alba, a member of the House Committee on Climate Change, discussed legislative measures aimed at climate change mitigation, including the Low Carbon Economy Bill and the Climate Accountability Bill (CLIMA Bill). He emphasized the necessity of private sector support to achieve net-zero goals, asserting, “We can no longer afford to drag our collective feet.”

Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of the Philippine Climate Change Commission, highlighted the Philippines' vulnerability to climate change, citing significant economic losses from tropical cyclones. "It is clear that our lives, livelihoods, and our collective future are at stake," he stated, emphasizing the urgent need for government policies to drive meaningful climate action, such as the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and other net-zero initiatives. He also pointed out the integral role of the consortium in advocating for sustainability and paving the way for a net zero future. Secretary Borje concluded his message by pledging the full support of the Climate Change Commission to the consortium, committing to work alongside it to strengthen collaborative action.

The event also featured the formal signing of the collaboration agreement by the attending charter members, PIChE, and UPLB, affirming their commitment to the consortium's core principles and roles. This historic moment was witnessed by the three key government officials present who align closely with the consortium's advocacy.

Building on the momentum, Dr. Rex Demafelis, the Consortium’s Lead Convenor, outlined the consortium's vision centered on the global initiative to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, aligning with the United Nations Race to Zero Campaign. He also detailed the array of services available to consortium members. Concluding his presentation, he emphasized the the critical need to act on our goals and vision, quoting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: “Government and private sector commitments to net-zero cannot be a mere public relations exercise.”

Engr. Bernadette T. Magadia, Chair of UPLB ILCAL and Co-convenor of the Consortium, detailed the consortium's plans and programs, including training and capacity-building activities conducted by UPLB ILCAL. She outlined future steps and activities aimed at realizing the consortium’s goals through 2025 and beyond, envisioning expanding avenues for increased collaboration and networking opportunities among individuals and organizations.

Dr. Josephine Borja, a PIChE Fellow, delivered the closing remarks, synthesizing the event’s discussions and reiterating the crucial role of chemical engineers and other professionals in combating climate change.

The launch was attended by over 70 professionals, including chemical engineers, industry leaders, and academic experts from various fields, echoing a resounding declaration of our concerted efforts towards transitioning to a net-zero future, driven by innovation, collaboration, and dedication to sustainability.