The weight of a changing climate is no longer a distant forecast; it’s the daily reality for communities across the Philippines. Recognizing this urgent need, the FINEX Foundation Environment Committee unveiled theSustainability Handbook– a powerful resource born from a previous climate change primer, and a renewed call to action for a resilient future.
The launch, hosted within the LANDBANK boardroom, was underscored by the presence of President and CEO Lynette Ortiz, who championed the integration of sustainability into every decision. She emphasized that sustainability isn’t a fleeting trend, but a conscious choice – a series of deliberate actions taken each day, particularly vital for farmers and rural communities already facing climate’s harsh consequences.
Ortiz highlighted LANDBANK’s commitment, pointing to the recent success of their P50 billion ASENSO Bonds, dedicated to financing agriculture, rural development, and green initiatives. Introducing Sustainability Officer Celine “Pips” Pastor, she affirmed that sustainability is not an add-on, but a core tenet of the bank’s strategic direction.
The event resonated deeply on a personal level, evoking memories of a past connection to LANDBANK. Years ago, as an undersecretary of Finance, attending board meetings was a regular duty. A family legacy of stewardship – a father who served as governor of the Land Authority and later as Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources – further underscored the importance of this work.
TheSustainability Handbookitself is a comprehensive guide, meticulously covering the science of climate change, its inherent risks, and practical strategies for building resilience. It delves into the principles and benefits of natural farming, environmental awareness, and the crucial role of good governance. At its heart lies a simple truth: sustainability thrives on environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and sound governance.
Distinguished guests from across the financial and environmental sectors attended the launch, including leaders from LANDBANK and the FINEX Foundation. Their presence signaled a unified commitment to the handbook’s message and the urgent need for collaborative action.
Karla Rufino, 2026 Environment Committee Chair and author of the handbook’s natural farming section, shared a profound insight. Coming from a financial risk background, she discovered a deeper appreciation for stewardship through her writing. “Sustainability is about stewardship,” she reflected, “Everything we need is already provided around us.”
FINEX Foundation Chair Edmund “EJ” Qua Hiansen expanded on this perspective, emphasizing that sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns. It demands social upliftment, expanded educational access, and inclusive opportunities, all underpinned by transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. He quoted Dr. Noemi Villaruz from the handbook: “The fight for a clean environment is not one of convenience. It is one of courage.”
The creation of the handbook was a collective effort, a testament to the dedication of Goody Hernandez, Wilma Miranda, Albert Gamboa, and the entire secretariat. Their combined expertise and passion brought this vital resource to life.
Miranda expressed a hopeful vision: that the handbook will inspire immediate action to protect the planet for future generations. Toti Bengzon, 2025 FINEX Foundation Chair, urged everyone to not just read the handbook, but to truly embrace its lessons, aligning commitment to planet, people, and profit. Sustainability, he reminded everyone, begins with the deliberate steps we take today.
TheSustainability Handbookisn’t simply a publication; it’s an invitation – a call to move beyond awareness and into meaningful, lasting action. It’s a reminder that the Earth isn’t ours to consume, but a precious loan from those who will come after us.
Flor G. Tarriela, a banker, gardener, and dedicated environmentalist, brought her unique perspective to the launch, embodying the spirit of stewardship that the handbook champions. Her work, and the handbook itself, offer a powerful message of hope and a pathway towards a more sustainable Philippines.
