Keynote Panel. (L-R) German Embassy Manila Dr. David Klebs; TESDA DDG Felizardo Colambo; ILO Country Director Khalid Hassan; PCCI-HRDF Dr. Alberto Fenix, Jr.; GPCCI Vice President and Vocational Training Committee Chairperson Tristan Arwen Loveres [Photo credit: GPCCI]
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Advancing Green skills for Sustainable Industries in the Philippines
Over 120 prominent stakeholders from government, industry, and academia gathered at the Fairmont Makati on July 9, 2025, for the "Green Jobs Forum: Sustainability at Work."
Hosted by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) in partnership with the German Embassy Manila, this event is part of the sustainable development forums on Climate Talk Series.
The forum served as an essential platform for discussions on the importance of green jobs in advancing the Philippines’ sustainable development goals. It also talked about integrating environmental sustainability into economic growth strategies and workforce development across the archipelago.
GPCCI President Ms. Marie Antoniette Mariano stated, “As the Philippines accelerates its transition to a low-carbon and inclusive economy, the need for a skilled, future-ready workforce has never been more pressing.”
“Green jobs lie at the heart of this transition, not simply as employment opportunities but as catalysts of innovation, resilience, and environmental stewardship.”
TESDA Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Felizardo R. Colambo delivered a keynote speech on the government’s initiatives to integrate green competencies into technical-vocational education and training programs.
He said, “As we address the challenges of the changing climate, environmental degradation, and the global air disease, to pursue sustainable development, the need for green has given more pressure. Yet this transition cannot happen in isolation. It demands a workforce equipped with green skills, skills that enable organizations to design, adapt, and implement solutions that are environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable.”
A high-level panel titled “Building a Green Workforce: Opportunities and Challenges” was moderated by Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor of the German Embassy Manila.
Panelists included Mr. Khalid Hassan, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO); Dr. Alberto P. Fenix, Jr., President of the PCCI Human Resources Development Foundation; Mr. Tristan Arwen Loveres, Vice President and Vocational Training Committee Chairperson of GPCCI; and Deputy Director General Colambo.
The panel explored policy frameworks, emerging skills requirements, and global standards for green jobs in the Philippine context.
To enhance their partnership, GPCCI and TESDA reaffirmed their long-standing cooperation through the ceremonial signing of the Amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The signing is a testament of strengthened commitment to advancing industry-driven training and co-certification programs that empower the Filipino workforce, the parties said in a statement. Both GPCCI and TESDA will focus to align technical-vocational education with global sustainability standards and to provide workers with the skills needed for a greener economy.
Later, forum participants were divided into groups for a breakout session to discuss ways to build up and implement green employment.
The session on Sustainable Transport & Infrastructure, moderated by Mr. Alec Ladanga of the Philippine Constructors Association, examined opportunities in urban mobility and low-carbon infrastructure.
Another session on Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, led by Mr. Alexander Ablaza of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance, tackled workforce gaps in clean energy deployment.
In the Waste Management & Circular Economy session, Mr. Bert Guevara of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability guided discussions on how circular business models and recycling initiatives can drive green job creation.
The German Embassy Manila reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting climate action and skills partnerships in the Philippines.
“Germany is the champion of dual training. This approach is particularly effective for practically inclined learners who prefer learning by doing rather than through theory and education alone,” said German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke.
“Our climate talks today are a platform for dialogue, for learning and for forging partnerships. That's why I'm proud that GPCCI and TESDA have come together today in this Green Jobs Forum, wishing to renew their partnership and bring it to another level.”
“Moving forward, as your organization deploys green technologies in your operations, eventually there will be a need to identify pathways for scaling up green employment, to examine opportunities on urban mobility and low-carbon infrastructure, and to tackled workforce gaps in clean energy deployment,” he said.
About GPCCI
The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) is the official representation of German businesses in the Philippines. As part of the global AHK network (German Chambers of Commerce Abroad) with 150 offices in 93 countries, GPCCI connects around 300 member companies and supports German firms with market entry, business development, and partnerships across the country.
