Embedded Files
Day 1
Thursday 24 September 2026
Opening
Opening
Mr. Raymond Rufino, Chairman, PHILGBC Board of Trustees, and Chief Executive Officer, NEO, Mr. Raymond Rufino opened Building Green 2026 by encouraging participants to actively engage with the conference and consider how they could contribute to transforming the Philippine building industry towards a greener and more sustainable built environment. Introducing the theme, “Twenty Years of Building Green: Shaping a Regenerative Built Environment,” he reflected on the evolution of green building from reducing environmental harm towards creating regenerative buildings and communities that deliver positive environmental and social impacts.
He opened the BG2026 conference by encouraging participants to translate what they learned into action in their organizations, projects, and professional practices before formally declaring Building Green 2026 open.
Mr. Christopher de la Cruz, Chief Executive Officer, Philippine Green Building Council, welcomed participants to Building Green 2026 and reflected on the conference’s twenty-year journey from transforming the building sector to shaping a regenerative built environment. He called on the industry to move beyond reducing harm by creating buildings and communities that generate positive environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Stressing the importance of turning ideas into action, he underscored that “knowledge must be translated into practice, practice must lead to performance, and performance must lead to impact,” reinforcing the conference’s role as a platform for accelerating meaningful change in the built environment.
Messages from WorldGBC
Messages from WorldGBC
Message from the WorldGBC Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Cristina Gamboa
Chief Executive Officer
World Green Building Council
Message from the WorldGBC Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Jeff Oatman
Chairman, WorldGBC Asia Pacific Regional Network
Head of Collaboration and Membership, Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)
Keynote Address
Keynote Address
Mr. Carlos S. Rufino, Chairman, NEO, reflected on the twenty-year journey of PHILGBC and Building Green and challenged the industry to move from reducing environmental harm towards creating regenerative buildings, communities, and cities. Drawing from his experience in BGC and NEO, he emphasized that long-term investments in resilient infrastructure, sustainable buildings, mobility, and energy can create lasting environmental, social, and economic value. He stressed that the next phase of the green building movement must make sustainability investable, measurable, scalable, and economically productive, with collaboration across government, industry, finance, and other sectors.
“The next 20 years must have a different ambition, making green building a norm and go beyond it. The first 20 years focused on reducing harm caused by the buildings, the next 20 years must focus on how our building and cities create more value than they consume. The next 20 years must ask the questions on how to restore rather than simply conserve, how to strengthen communities rather than simply occupying them, how to work with nature rather than reducing their impact upon it.”
Ultimately, he called for today’s investment and development decisions to create greater value for future generations and help shape a greener, more sustainable, and regenerative Philippines.
Session 1: Building for the Future: Government Leadership and Emerging Policy Directions for the Built Environment
Session 1: Building for the Future: Government Leadership and Emerging Policy Directions for the Built Environment
As national and local governments respond to climate, resource management, and urbanization challenges, policies, regulations, and programs continue to shape how buildings and communities are planned, designed, constructed, and operated.
The session provided an overview of key national policies, regulatory developments, and government initiatives affecting the Philippine built environment. Presentations covered building standards, environmental compliance, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainable urban development.
Local government representatives also shared their experiences in developing and implementing green building policies and sustainability initiatives. They discussed approaches tailored to local conditions, as well as the challenges and opportunities they encountered in translating sustainability policies into practice.
Through the presentations and discussions, participants gained insights into current policy priorities, emerging regulatory directions, and opportunities for collaboration among national government agencies, local government units, and private-sector stakeholders in advancing a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
Atty. Alexander S. Belderol, OIC – Director IV, National Building Code Development Office, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), discussed the role of government regulation in advancing green building development in the Philippines. He outlined the mandate of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the implementation of the Philippine Green Building Code (PGBC), efforts to modernize the country’s building regulatory framework, and the importance of collaboration among government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and industry stakeholders in creating a sustainable and resilient built environment.
Dir. Patrick T. Aquino, CESO III, Director, Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB), Department of Energy, provided updates on the implementation of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Act. He discussed key policies, programs, building sector initiatives, performance standards, and partnerships supporting the country’s transition toward a more energy-efficient, low-carbon, and sustainable built environment.
Ms. Donna R. Tabangin, Head, City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office, City Government of Baguio, highlighted how Baguio City is addressing the risks of reaching irreversible urban decay by 2043 through integrated land-use planning, green building regulations, risk-adaptive development, circular economy initiatives, nature-based solutions, and livability-focused policies that support a resilient, sustainable, and people-centered urban future.
Mr. Khashayar L. Toghyani, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the City Building Official, City Government of Davao, emphasized that one of the key responsibilities of local government units (LGUs) is to build resilient and sustainable communities. In Davao City, this is supported by policies and programs focused on environmental sustainability and infrastructure development, which form part of the city’s priority agenda.
Mr. Ronell Chester S. Sadernas, Enp., Planning Officer III, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, emphasized Ilocos Norte’s sustainability-driven development strategy through the proposed Greenway Park Project, a human-centered and integrated urban district that connects education, government services, mobility, green spaces, economic activity, and wellness to create a more livable, resilient, and sustainable community.
Mr. George William Hong, City Engineer, City Building Official, City Government of Makati, highlighted Makati City’s sustainability journey from green building compliance to city-wide sustainability leadership, emphasizing initiatives in energy efficiency, renewable energy, water and waste management, resilience, mobility, and digital governance, including the city’s milestone transition to 100% renewable energy for all local government facilities.
Mr. Abraham Raposon Jr., Chief, Green Building Division, City Government of Mandaluyong, presented Mandaluyong City’s approach to advancing green building within a dense and land-constrained urban environment. He discussed how the city integrates sustainability into land use planning and development controls, strengthens its local green building regulations, and digitalizes regulatory processes to support more efficient and sustainable urban development.
Mr. Mark Joseph C. Mayoralgo, Officer-In-Charge, Department of Building Official, Quezon City Government, presented the evolution of Quezon City’s green building framework, from its 2009 Green Building Ordinance to the Quezon City Green Building Code of 2025. He discussed how the city is strengthening building regulations to support its climate goals, expand the coverage of green building requirements, and integrate sustainability into the building permit process.
Hon. Jennifer S. Del Mar, City Councilor, City Government of Mandaue, reflected on Mandaue City’s experience in developing and implementing its Green Building Ordinance and the lessons gained from more than a decade of local action. She emphasized that effective green building policies require sustained implementation, government leadership, private-sector participation, and long-term collaboration, while encouraging cities to move beyond reducing environmental impacts toward regenerative development.
Session 2: Public-Private Sector Collaboration: Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Urban Development
Session 2: Public-Private Sector Collaboration: Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Urban Development
The session highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing a sustainable and regenerative built environment. Speakers discussed how shared leadership, strategic investment, and innovation could help align policies and business practices, and create long-term environmental, social, and economic value.
The discussion explored how public-private partnerships, innovative financing, and strategic investment could support sustainable urban planning, strengthen green building standards, and mobilize capital for the built environment. Speakers also shared good practices and partnership models for scaling the development of high-performing, resilient, and regenerative buildings, communities, and districts.
The session also brought together speakers from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) Asia-Pacific Regional Network, who shared experiences and insights from Indonesia, Singapore, and India. Together, the presentations broadened the session by providing regional perspectives on partnerships, industry engagement, green building, and the transition toward more sustainable built environments across the Asia-Pacific region.
Ms. Edriza Alexa F. Banag, PHILGBC, presented the Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) Program, presented PHILGBC’s Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) Program, which supports local governments and development authorities in translating sustainability goals into practical policies, programs, and initiatives. She discussed how capacity building, technical assistance, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability reporting could help jurisdictions respond to urban development challenges and strengthen the integration of sustainability into planning and governance.
Mr. Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta, Vice President, Investment Promotions and Marketing, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, presented the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) approach to developing sustainable and future-ready growth centers through infrastructure investment, public-private partnerships, and long-term urban planning. Focusing on New Clark City, he discussed how connectivity, resource management, digital infrastructure, economic development, housing, and sustainability were being integrated into the planning of a new urban center.
Mr. Manjit T. Singh Reandi, President and CEO, John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), presented JHMC's plans for the sustainable development of Camp John Hay, balancing economic activity and infrastructure development with the protection of its significant forest resources. He discussed the updating of the Master Development Plan, sustainable mobility and infrastructure, ecosystem protection, community and workforce development, and investment opportunities within the John Hay Special Economic Zone.
Mr. Katsuhiko Yamamoto, Manager, Business Alliance Support Center, The Energy Conservation Center, Japan, and Secretariat, Japanese Business Alliance for Smart Energy Worldwide, presented how public-private partnerships could accelerate the adoption of zero energy buildings (ZEBs) in the Philippines. He discussed JASE-World’s role in bringing together government and industry, the ZEB Family Concept as a progressive pathway toward net-zero energy performance, lessons from a building retrofit project in Malaysia, and opportunities for cooperation on future ZEB demonstration projects in the Philippines.
Ms. Ma. Teresita Del Rosario, Division Chief for Standards Development Division, Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Philippine Standards, discussed the role of standards in supporting the transition toward a more sustainable built environment. She highlighted the Philippines’ participation in international standards development, collaboration among government, PHILGBC, and industry experts, and the importance of ensuring that Philippine standards remain responsive to international developments and local conditions.
Mr. Sommai Phon-Amnuaisuk, President and CEO, John Hay Management Corporation, presented the International Institute for Energy Conservation’s (IIEC) work to advance passive cooling in affordable housing in the Philippines. He discussed research on cost-effective passive cooling solutions, collaboration with government and financing institutions, a demonstration housing project with the National Housing Authority (NHA), and efforts to use project findings to support future housing policies, financing, and industry capacity.
Mr. Ace Estrada II, Co-Founder, Rural Rising Philippines, presented the story of Rural Rising Philippines, an advocacy that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to connect farmers directly with consumers and reduce agricultural food waste. He discussed the Rescue Buy model, the challenges faced by farming communities, the role of storytelling in mobilizing public support, and the need to build more reliable market systems that support food security, agricultural resilience, and rural livelihoods.
Mr. Ignesjz Kemalawarta, Chairperson, Green Building Council Indonesia, shared Indonesia’s experience in advancing green building through certification, energy efficiency, passive design, and building performance management. He emphasized the importance of considering sustainability throughout the building life cycle and extending green building principles beyond individual projects to communities, districts, and urban ecosystems.
Mr. James Tan, Director, Partnerships & Programme Delivery, Singapore Green Building Council, presented Singapore’s approach to decarbonizing the built environment through national targets, building performance, technology, product certification, and embodied carbon management. He highlighted the Singapore Green Building Masterplan, strategies for reducing energy demand and cooling requirements, and tools and initiatives developed by the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) to support better-performing buildings.
Mr. Sampath Kumar Kabothu, Principal Counsellor, Indian Green Building Council, presented the Indian Green Building Council’s (IGBC) experience in advancing green buildings and supporting India’s transition toward net zero. He discussed IGBC’s growth, its Mission on Net Zero, the development of certification frameworks for energy, water, waste, and carbon, and the strategies needed to expand net-zero practices across India’s diverse building sector.
Session 3: BERDE Homes:
Building Healthier, Resilient, and Sustainable Homes and Communities
Session 3: BERDE Homes:
Building Healthier, Resilient, and Sustainable Homes and Communities
The session highlighted the role of sustainable housing in creating healthier, more resilient, and regenerative communities. Beyond providing shelter, homes could reduce environmental impacts, strengthen climate resilience, support healthier lifestyles, and contribute to more inclusive and vibrant neighborhoods.
The session marked the official launch of the BERDE – Homes – Pilot Version and introduced the BERDE – Homes framework and its pilot project, the De Castro Green Home. Discussions covered the framework’s sustainability strategies, implementation experience, and lessons from the pilot project. The session demonstrated how green homes could create lasting value for homeowners and communities while supporting the transition toward a more regenerative built environment.
Ms. Lareina Gonzales, Junior Staff – Technical, PHILGBC, introduced the BERDE – Homes – Pilot Version by providing an overview of the evolution of the BERDE framework and the roles of PHILGBC and PHILCERT in advancing sustainable building practices in the Philippines. She explained that BERDE – Homes was developed to provide a framework for designing, constructing, and operating homes that are healthier, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible.
Mr. Mark Roeland De Castro and Ms. Larisa Glenda Togonon-De Castro, the homeowners, presented the De Castro Green Home as a passion project that demonstrated the practical application of sustainable design principles at the residential scale. They showcased how they incorporated sustainability into the De Castro Green Home through early planning, passive strategies, water circularity, low-carbon materials, stakeholder engagement, and occupant participation, demonstrating how holistic green housing can be scaled to help make sustainable homes the norm rather than the exception.
Mr. Renato De Leon Tobias, President, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, presented the BALAI BERDE (Building Eligible Resilient Dwellings for Everyone) Program., which promotes the adoption of greener, healthier, and more resilient homes by providing accessible financing options with favorable loan terms to make sustainable housing more attainable for Filipino families.
Signing Between PHILGBC and NHMFC
Signing Between PHILGBC and NHMFC
PHILGBC and NHMFC formalized their collaboration at BG2026 through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at advancing sustainable, resilient, and climate-responsive housing developments across the Philippines. Through the agreement, PHILGBC and NHMFC will work together to advance sustainable housing by integrating green building certification with housing finance initiatives, supported by capacity-building, training, and knowledge-sharing activities.
By bringing together NHMFC's expertise in housing finance and PHILGBC's leadership in green building, the collaboration seeks to accelerate the development of healthier, more resilient, and environmentally responsible homes and communities. The partnership also aims to encourage wider adoption of recognized sustainability standards while supporting long-term benefits for homeowners, developers, and the environment.
Session 4: Sustainable Design and Performance:
Shaping the Future of Green Buildings
Session 4: Sustainable Design and Performance:
Shaping the Future of Green Buildings
The session highlighted how building and district projects could contribute to a more sustainable and regenerative built environment. Speakers presented approaches that integrated sustainability throughout planning, design, construction, and operation.
The session featured project presentations that showcased resource-efficient design solutions and innovations aimed at improving environmental performance. Through case studies of green building projects, speakers shared their implementation experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. The presentations also highlighted good practices that could be replicated and scaled across the industry, demonstrating how projects could contribute to more resilient, sustainable, and regenerative buildings, communities, and districts.
Ms. Kristina Samantha Pobre, Head of Sustainability, Arthaland Corporation, presented Savya Financial Center as a case study of how the company applied its sustainability commitments to a commercial development. She explained that Arthaland used independent third-party certification under local and international green building rating systems and applied sustainability principles across its residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
Ms. Apple Sydiongco-Delos Reyes, Deputy Head - Filigree, Filinvest Alabang Inc., presented the Botanika Nature Residences – Tower 1 as a residential development designed around functionality, connection with nature, and resilience. She explained that these principles had been incorporated into the development concept before the project pursued BERDE and health and well-being certifications. The certifications provided structured frameworks for evaluating both the building’s sustainability performance and its contribution to the health, comfort, and well-being of residents.
Mr. John Philip Wang, Executive Vice President, Citihomes Builder and Development Inc., shared the company’s experience in integrating sustainability into mass housing. As a developer serving the affordable housing market in Cavite, Batangas, and Tarlac, he acknowledged the environmental impacts associated with horizontal housing developments, particularly the conversion of large areas of land into residential communities. He emphasized that housing developers had a responsibility to manage these impacts while helping address the country’s housing needs.
Ms. Beatrix L. Borja, Project Development Manager, Ayala Land Estates, Inc., presented Nuvali’s sustainability journey and the principles that had guided the estate’s development since its inception. Nuvali East Bloc and Lakeside Evozone District successfully achieved BERDE 5-Star Certification under BERDE – Districts – Version 1.0.0. She recognized the collective efforts of those involved in planning, developing, and managing the estate.
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