FINEX celebrates sustainability, diversity, and digitalization in 56th Annual Conference
The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) recently concluded its 56th Annual Conference, a week-long event that highlighted the theme “Empower Progress, Inspire Change: Transformational Growth through Sustainability, Diversity, and Digitalization.” Held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 this year’s conference gathered thought leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss the intersection of economic progress and innovation.
Co-Chair of the FINEX Week 2024 Committee and Asticom Technology Inc. President and CEO Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, reflected on the journey of organizing the conference: “This year’s FINEX Conference has been the result of months of preparation, driven by a clear mission: to provide not just ideas, but a platform for actionable insights. Early in the planning process, we realized that sustainability, diversity, and digitalization are not separate trends but are closely intertwined. By addressing them together, we aim to empower Filipino businesses to foster transformative growth in a rapidly evolving global economy.”
Ms. Castillo-Reyes is joined by Co-Chair Rizza Blanco-Latorre, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. Head of Strategy Management Office and Liaison Director Mignon Ramos, and Roadmaps + Beyond, Inc. Managing Director and Principal Consultant of in leading this year’s FINEX Week Committee.
Augusto D. Bengzon, FINEX President and CFO of Ayala Land Inc., shared his thoughts on the evolution of the FINEX Annual Conference over the years. Reflecting on the changes, he said, “In 2022, we were addressing the height of COVID; and by 2023, we were beginning to recover from its effects. This year, we’ve completely come on the road to recovery, which is why our focus shifted to transformational growth through sustainability, diversity, and digitalization. The topics we’re exploring this time are all tied to these themes, providing us with a comprehensive framework for navigating the complexities of change.”
Mr. Bengzon also emphasized the importance of the collective efforts of the FINEX teams and the outstanding support from sponsors, attributing the conference’s success to their dedication.
Global perspectives on sustainability, diversity, and digitalization
The conference kicked off at the Fairmont Makati with a global perspective on sustainability, diversity, and digitalization. British Embassy Manila Deputy Ambassador Alistair White set the tone with a keynote address that outlined the United Kingdom’s strategies for economic development, transition to renewable energy, and the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace. He emphasized the ongoing partnership between the UK and the Philippines in areas such as energy transition, climate finance, and biodiversity.
In the following panel discussion, Vince Perez of Alternergy Holdings Corp and Jonathan Back of ACEN Corp. shared their insights into the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition in the Philippines. Griselda Gay Santos, Southeast Asia Regional Director of Water.org, moderated the session. They discussed the critical need for sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transformation, emphasizing the role of international collaboration in tackling these global challenges. The day concluded with a resounding message on the need to drive change through sustainable practices and innovative solutions.
Building resilience against climate risks
Day 2 of the conference, titled “Climate Risks and Opportunities: Building Climate Change Resilience,” featured discussions on the financial, environmental, and operational challenges posed by climate change. Benjamin Villacorte of SGV & Co. underscored the importance of integrating climate resilience into organizational strategies. Ann Adeline Dumaliang of Masungi Georeserve highlighted gaps in biodiversity financing and environmental law enforcement in the Philippines, pointing out that nature-based solutions like reforestation could play a pivotal role in mitigating disaster risks. Rudi Ramin of PCX Markets stressed the need for extended producer responsibility in tackling plastic pollution, while Paco Magsaysay of Carmen’s Best Ice Cream shared some best practices in sustainable packaging in their company. The day ended with a call to action from FINEX Week Co-Chair Rizza Latorre, urging participants to take small yet significant steps toward sustainable growth, reaffirming the idea that collective actions can lead to meaningful global transformation.
Navigating generational gaps for transformative growth
On Day 3, themed “Navigating the Generational Gap Towards Transformative Growth,” Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr. of PHINMA Corp., alongside his daughter Danielle Del Rosario, COO of Union Panel Insulated Corp., delved into the evolution of PHINMA’s mission-driven approach. They emphasized human capital as the key asset of the Philippines, highlighting how investing in education and talent development can lead to transformative growth. Paviter Kaur of Deloitte discussed the importance of generational diversity in leadership, advocating for inclusive strategies that merge traditional principles with modern technologies like AI to prepare organizations for future challenges. The interactive session underscored the idea that while AI and other digital tools are critical for progress, core values such as integrity and professionalism remain fundamental to achieving sustainable transformation.
AI’s role in national development
Day 4 focused on “Practical Applications of AI to Achieve Philippine Development Goals,” with Dr. Christopher Monterola highlighting AI’s transformative potential in sectors like education, agriculture, and healthcare. The panelists, including Atty. Rose Marie M. King-Dominguez and Reynaldo Lugtu, discussed the ethical and regulatory landscape of AI adoption, emphasizing the need for upskilling the workforce to embrace these technological changes. The day’s discussions called for a comprehensive AI strategy that promotes innovation, supports MSMEs, and ensures the ethical use of technology.
Empowering progress through collaboration
The final day of the summit began with a keynote by Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corp. He emphasized the need for transformational growth through sustainability, diversity, and digitalization. Mr. Zobel de Ayala discussed the importance of inclusive practices and technological advancements in driving lasting change. He highlighted the Philippines’ leadership in climate action and detailed Ayala’s milestones in sustainable financing and net-zero commitments. The presentation also focused on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the transition from automation to augmentation in digital transformation to empower people and promote sustainable growth.
Throughout the day’s sessions, notable speakers addressed key challenges in healthcare, food security, education, and digital transformation. The “Towards a Healthy Filipino” session, featuring Usec. Dr. Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong of the Department of Health; Jaime E. Ysmael, president and CEO of Healthway Philippines; June Cheryl “Chaye” Cabal-Revilla, president and CEO of MWell; and Joselito G. Diga, SVP for Finance of Unilab, Inc., focused on collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to enhance healthcare services. Michael Arcatomy H. Guarin, partner at KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co. moderated the session.
In the “Critical Filipino Challenges of Hunger and Food Security,” experts such as Usec. Roger V. Navarro of the Department of Agriculture; Asec. Baldr H. Bringas of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; Kristine Go of Kain Tayo Pilipinas; and Jovy I. Hernandez, president and CEO of Metro Pacific Agro Ventures, discussed strategies to combat hunger and improve food distribution. The session was moderated by Dr. Cielito F. Habito, chair of Brain Trust.
The session “Educating the Brighter Filipino,” led by Sec. Sonny Angara of the Department of Education, joined by Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, president of University of the Philippines; Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, chairman and CEO of iPeople; and Aurelio R. Montinola III, vice-chair of Philippine Business for Education, highlighted innovations to develop a brighter future for Filipino students. John B. Balce, vice-chairman of Junior FINEX Committee, moderated the session.
And, the final session on “Developing the Digital Filipino” emphasized the need for IT skill development and digital strategies, with insights from Usec. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue of the Department of Information and Communications Technology; Robert Yu, chief finance officer of Converge ICT Solutions; Tek Olano, chief finance and risk officer of GCash (Mynt – Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.); Margot Torres, managing director of Golden Arches Development Corp.; Rubie Casana-Villamor, practice head for Business Management Solutions of IT Group; and Harsh Vardhan, chief strategy officer for Asia Pacific of Planview. This was moderated by Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta, managing director of Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra.
The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between government, private sector, and educational institutions in driving progress across these critical areas. The conference was wrapped up with a talk from Tsutomu Mannari, chairman of the International Association of Financial Executives Institutes (IAFEI).
A platform for actionable insights
The diverse lineup of speakers and topics ensured that the discussions were not only relevant to the local business landscape but also aligned with global best practices. The discussions on AI, climate resilience, and generational diversity emphasized that innovation and inclusivity are crucial for achieving the Philippines’ development goals. The conference’s focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and diversity was not merely a discussion of trends but a strategic approach to positioning Filipino businesses for long-term success.
The 56th FINEX Annual Conference successfully highlighted the crucial link between sustainability, diversity, and digitalization, presenting a clear roadmap for Filipino businesses to drive transformative growth. With a strong focus on collaboration between the public and private sectors, the event underscored the importance of inclusive practices and innovation in tackling the challenges of today and tomorrow.
As FINEX and its partners continue to champion these causes, the collective efforts of industry leaders, policymakers, and the business community will play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and progressive Philippines. The conference served not just as a gathering of minds but as a catalyst for change, inspiring actionable steps toward a sustainable, diverse, and digitally empowered future for all Filipinos.
