The Association of CPAs in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI) held its 2nd General Membership Meeting (GMM) last June 9, 2023 at the Holiday Inn Makati from 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM.
With the theme, “Sustaining Sustainability. Living Our Legacy.,” the GMM commenced with a keynote speech from Mr. Ferdinand K. Constantino, Group CFO, San Miguel Corporation Group and ING FinEx 2018 CFO of the year. Mr. Constantino shared with the members and guests SMC’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) corporate practices and sustainability agenda and projects which aim to foster a viable and green future.
He presented several projects that SMC has initiated and that are underway such as Water for All, which aims to reduce the company’s use of water by 50% by 2025; SMC uses plastics for road pavements; river clean up undertaking, recycling of SMC bottles, and utilization of its breweries’ spent grain (aka waste products) into animal feeds among others. Ms. Meljorie A. Cruz, Secretary moderated the open forum after the keynote speech.
Next in the program was a panel discussion on ESG: Climate Change and Sustainability Trends for 2023. Top ESG leaders, Ms. Catherine H. Lipana-Gomez, ESG Deals and Corporate Finance Partner, PWC Philippines; Ms. Katrina F. Francisco, Climate Change and Sustainability Services Partner, SGV & Co.; and Ms. Kristine I. Aguirre, ESG Lead and Advisory Partner, KPMG Philippines delivered a very timely and informative talk about ESG which covered the topics such as Net Zero and ESG strategies, examples, and benefits; climate change, and risk related considerations, global scene updates and challenges, disclosure and reporting, deals (considerations from an investor’s perspective, ratings, etc.), value creation, and business integration plus more.
Last to present was Dr. Annabelle D. Aherrera, Founder of Aherrera Wellness Group. She spoke on this very interesting and relevant subject, “How to Achieve Holistic Health and Spirituality,” which focused on achieving personal sustainability.
Tokens of Appreciation were given to the esteemed resource speakers at the conclusion of their presentation. ACPACI members are encouraged to attend its regulas GMMs to provide them opportunities to learn, stay connected, get access to presentations, gain business and industry insights, and to stay informed about the Association’s ongoing projects and activities.
See you at the next GMM!