Building on the success of the Sustainability Forum, the event brought together leaders from government, business, and civil society to explore how green jobs can drive a sustainable and inclusive Philippine economy, with discussions centered on workforce development in transport and infrastructure, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and waste management and circular economy. A key highlight was the ceremonial signing of the amended MOU between GPCCI and TESDA, reaffirming their commitment to advancing green skills and preparing the workforce for emerging sustainable industries.
The forum opened with remarks from GPCCI President Ms. Marie Antoniette E. Mariano, who underscored the Chamber’s commitment to sustainability through workforce transformation and green job creation. This was followed by a welcome address from German Ambassador H.E. Andreas Pfaffernoschke, reaffirming the strong German-Philippine partnership in skills development and the vital role of green skills in building a resilient, future-ready economy.
TESDA Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Felizardo R. Colambo delivered the keynote address, highlighting government initiatives to integrate green skills into technical-vocational education and training systems. He emphasized that the urgency of climate change, environmental degradation, and global health challenges demands a shift toward sustainable development—one that cannot occur without a workforce equipped with green skills. These competencies, he noted, are essential for enabling organizations to implement solutions that are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable.
Moderated by Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor of the German Embassy Manila, the panel featured distinguished speakers: Mr. Khalid Hassan (ILO), Dr. Alberto Fenix Jr. (PCCI-HRDF), Mr. Tristan Arwen Loveres (GPCCI/TÜV Rheinland), and TESDA Deputy Director General Felizardo Colambo. The discussion focused on inter-sectoral collaboration, evolving skills needs, and practical strategies for implementing green jobs in the Philippine context.
Key takeaways from the main panel discussion include:
Integrate Green Skills into Training Programs. DDG Colambo pushes to embed sustainability concepts into vocational education to build workforce readiness and environmental awareness.
- Expand Opportunities in Renewable Energy. Mr. Hassan stressed the need to leverage the growth of the renewable energy sector to create jobs and enhance technical skills locally.
- Promote Inclusive Sustainability. Mr. Hassan emphasized that there is a need to ensure green initiatives reach vulnerable sectors to support a socially equitable transition.
- Empower Businesses to Lead the Green Shift. Dr. Fenix strongly encouraged companies to adopt sustainable practices and evolve all roles into green jobs.
- Strengthen Public-Private Collaboration. Mr. Loveres advocates for stronger partnerships—such as Germany–Philippines cooperation—to scale green workforce development.
Ceremonial Signing of the Amended MOU between GPCCI and TESDA
As part of the forum, GPCCI and TESDA reaffirmed their long-standing cooperation through the ceremonial signing of the Amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This milestone marks a strengthened commitment to advancing industry-driven training and co - certification programs that empower the Filipino workforce. By renewing this partnership, both institutions aim to align technical-vocational education with global sustainability standards and equip workers with the skills needed for a greener economy.
Sectoral Discussions
Following the ceremonial signing of the amended MOU, participants joined parallel breakout sessions that aimed to gather insights from various stakeholders from key sectors in relation to their readiness and initiatives on green skills development. Key recommendations from each session are as follows:
The forum concluded with closing remarks from GPCCI Executive Director Mr. Christopher Zimmer, who expressed sincere appreciation to all speakers, panelists, and moderators for their valuable contributions. He emphasized the importance of collective, cross-sectoral action in advancing a greener economy and future-ready workforce.
The 2025 Green Jobs Forum provided a key platform for advancing dialogue on workforce transformation and green skills development. By bringing together cross-sector stakeholders, the event emphasized the importance of collaboration in preparing the Philippine workforce for a low-carbon economy. GPCCI and the German Embassy Manila reaffirmed their commitment to promoting green growth through education, partnerships, and policy engagement.