A major gathering of sustainability leaders and advocates is set to take place in Iloilo as the Sustainability Summit Iloilo 2026 unfolds on April 28–29 at Solana Premiere, positioning the city once again at the forefront of inclusive and forward-looking development.
Organized under the Sustainability Unplugged program, the summit is co-convened by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Iloilo Chapter and Sustainability PH, bringing together around 150 participants from local government units, NGOs and CSOs, MSMEs, academic institutions, and the youth sector.
The event builds on the idea that meaningful change begins with meaningful dialogue, serving as a platform for thought leaders, practitioners, and emerging voices to collaborate on solutions to pressing sustainability challenges. It also marks the kickoff of Sustainability PH’s year-long celebration of the Society of Sustainability Practitioners, Inc.’s 5th anniversary, adding a milestone moment to the two-day summit.
“Sustainability Unplugged comes to Iloilo City to honor a vibrant community that continues to lead the charge for sustainable growth outside Metro Manila,” organizers said, highlighting the city’s role as a strategic gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao.
For Jerduen “Noi” Dongor, President of PCCI-Iloilo, the summit is more than just a gathering.
“This event is very important in shaping awareness, inspiring actions, and bringing these important discussions closer to communities,” he emphasized.
The program features a mix of keynote plenaries, focused panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, all localized to reflect Iloilo’s priorities and sustainability realities. Topics will cover urban planning, digitalization, circular economy solutions, and governance, aligning with both national development goals and global sustainability targets.
Among the key voices expected to take the stage are:
- Hon. Brian Poe, Member of the House of Representatives
- Colin Hubo Legarde, Executive Director, UA&P Center for Social Responsibility
- Ma. Victoria Tan, Executive Director for Sustainability and Risk Management, Ayala Corporation
- Agnes De Jesus, Chief Sustainability Officer, First Philippine Holdings
Sustainability PH leaders also underscored the deeper meaning behind the initiative.
“We specifically chose Iloilo because it is truly a center and a model for sustainability,” said Shawntel Nicole Martinez Nieto, Co-founder and Vice President of SustainabilityPH.
Meanwhile, Dave Jesus Devilles, President and Chief Sustainability Adviser of SustainabilityPH, reframed the conversation beyond environmental concerns.
“When we talk about sustainability, it’s not just about the planet. It’s also about people and good governance… it’s really about people,” he said.
Event partner Atty. Lcid Fernandez, CEO of Prometheus, expressed hope that the summit will spark a wider movement.
“Hopefully, the many conversations we have over the next couple of days will lead to a conflagration—a movement—of how businesses, governance, the youth, and other sectors contribute to the sustainable development of a locality,” he shared.
With its focus on solutions, collaboration, and real-world impact, the Sustainability Summit Iloilo aims to go beyond dialogue—equipping participants with actionable insights, best practices, and stronger networks to drive change in their respective sectors.
As Iloilo continues to gain recognition for its people-centered and sustainable initiatives, the summit reinforces its role as a leading voice in shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for the Philippines.
