Where Innovation Meets Sustainability
The Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) is the latest flagship initiative of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) – a platform designed to empower MSMEs on their journey toward a circular economy while reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SSX serves as a dynamic hub for transformation, bringing together industry pioneers, sustainability advocates, and forward-thinking businesses through key interconnected events:
A thought-provoking conference on May 22-23, 2025, at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City, where global experts will share insights on sustainable consumption and production, particularly for the Philippine food industry.
An immersive exhibition running from May 22-24, 2025, at the Sustainability Hall (Hall D) within IFEX Philippines, World Trade Center Metro Manila. This exhibition will spotlight cutting-edge sustainable solutions and innovations.
Alongside these, SSX will feature business matching & pitching sessions designed to foster high-impact collaborations, taking place at the World Trade Center Mezzanine, Hidalgo Function Room.
Together, these components offer an unparalleled experience in sustainability-driven trade and innovation.
Be part of the movement. Shape the future of sustainability.
Conference
Gain insights from global and local sustainability experts.
Exhibition
Discover groundbreaking sustainable solutions in food production.
Shape the Future of Food
Join the Philippine Journey to Circularity & Sustainability!
The Philippine food industry is at a pivotal moment. Join us on May 22nd (Thursday) and May 23rd (Friday) for a crucial two-day conference dedicated to navigating the path towards a sustainable and circular food economy. Whether you’re a business leader, an innovator, a concerned consumer, or a policymaker, this event offers vital insights, actionable strategies, and unparalleled networking opportunities to shape a resilient and responsible food future for the Philippines.
Day 1 (22 MAY, 12:00PM - 6:00PM PST)
FOOD PHILIPPINES JOURNEY TO CIRCULARITY
Transforming our World:
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Major Strides:
The Philippines’ Efforts Toward Food Sustainability
Attaining a Circular Food Economy:
Challenges and Opportunities
Day 2 (23 MAY, 09:00AM - 12:00 NN PST)
FUTURE FOOD SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
Roles in Circularity:
A Guide for Business and Consumers
Sustainability as Foundation:
Innovative Strategies for Food Businesses
Day 2 (1:00PM - 6:00 PM PST)
BUSINESS TRACK
Financing the Future:
Enabling Businesses to Reach their Sustainability Goals
Embracing Transfromative, Climate-Smart Food Systems
Fresh Perspectives on Sustainable Packaging
Standard Setting:
Identifying Social Responsibilities in the Food Industry
The Case for a Greener Future
Day 2 (1:00PM - 5:30 PM PST)
CONSUMER TRACK
Mindful Consumption and Sustainable Living:
Steps Toward Progressive Foodways
Transformative Approaches to Food Waste Management
Taking Action:
Social Enterprises on Consumer Education and Engagement
| Time | Session Title | Brief Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Registration | ||
| 1:00 PM - 1:05 PM | Invocation | ||
| 1:05 PM - 1:10 PM | Singing of the Philippine National Anthem | ||
| 1:10 PM - 1:15 PM | Acknowledgement of Guests | Host - Mikki Sachiko | |
| 1:15 PM - 1:25 PM | Welcome Remarks | The Executive Director’s message will introduce CITEM, provide an overview of SSX, and highlight the platform’s significant achievements. |
Romleah Juliet P. Ocampo Executive Director Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) |
| 1:30 PM - 1:40 PM | Opening Remarks | The Secretary will underline the DTI’s mandate, sharing ongoing measures to achieve sustainability in the food trade industry. It will also introduce the SSX theme and set delegates’ expectations for the two-day program. | Maria Cristina A. Roque Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) |
| 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM |
Keynote Address With Clarity of Purpose: The Philippines' Pursuit of a Greener Future |
The keynote speaker will provide an overview of the Philippines’ impact on the environment, highlighting the role of businesses and consumers in the transition to circularity. The Secretary will also touch on the commitment of the Philippine government to promote sustainability and responsible consumption and production within the food sector. | |
| 2:05 PM - 2:50 PM |
Keynote Message + Panel Discussion Making An Impact: The European Union Partnerships Seeking Sustainability |
This session will introduce delegates to the EU-Philippines partnership on the green economy, highlighting collaborative efforts and joint initiatives that support the country's transition toward sustainability. It will also announce the launch of the Green Economy Platform, which will serve as a digital space for knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement, and partnership-building. |
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Marco Gemmer Head of Cooperation, European Union in the Philippines Panelists:
|
| 2:55 PM - 3:10 PM | COFFEE BREAK | ||
| 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM |
Keynote Presentation Transforming our World: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development |
The presentation will center on the global community's progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. |
Dr. Selva Ramachandran Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, Philippines (UNDP) |
| 4:05 PM - 4:50 PM |
Panel Session Major Strides: The Philippines' Efforts Toward Food Sustainability |
The session will center on measures taken to promote food sustainability in the country in accordance with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), Ambisyon Natin 2040, and Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12). |
Presenter/Moderator: Marie Maylis Charlat Project Leader, Expertise France Panelists:
|
| 4:55 PM - 5:40 PM |
Keynote Presentation + Panel Session Attaining a Circular Food Economy: Challenges and Opportunities |
What are the challenges and opportunities in seeking a more sustainable food industry?
The panel will seek new perspectives into this question, covering critical areas such as agriculture, food production, nutrition, packaging, and waste management. Their discussion will also provide insights into policy gaps, industry innovations, and scalable solutions. |
Keynote Presenter: Myrtle Faye Solina Chief Trade Industry Development Specialist, Food Division, Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Moderator: Elvin Ivan Y. Uy Executive Director, Philippines Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Panelists:
|
| 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM | DAY 1 Synthesis - What's next? | The speaker will provide a summary of key points from Day 1 discussion. It will then set delegates' expectations for Day 2. |
Dr. Juan Alfonso Leonardia Senior Advisor, GEPP SO1 Policy and Alliances |
| Time | Session Title | Brief Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM | Day 1 Recap & Day 2 Overview | The host will deliver a recap of Day 1 and provide an overview of Day 2 program of activities. | Host - Mikki Sachiko |
| 9:20 AM - 10:20 AM |
Keynote Presentation + Panel Session Roles in Circularity: A Guide for Businesses and Consumers |
This session will explore the impact of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act on businesses, focusing on compliance, waste reduction, and circular economy strategies. The discussion will also cover how EPR reshapes corporate sustainability and promotes responsible waste management in the food industry. |
Keynote Speaker: Jacqueline Caancan Assistant Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Moderator: Ping Manongdo Head of Partnerships, Corporate Decarbonization Exchange (CDx) Panelists:
|
| 10:25 AM - 11:25 AM |
Sprint Presentations + Panel Session Sustainability as Foundation: Innovative Strategies for Food Businesses |
The session will highlight global trends on sustainability, with a focus on identifying strategies for MSME's to adapt to the changing landscape. |
Moderator: Mikki Sachiko Panelists:
|
| 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | LUNCH BREAK | ||
| Time | Session Title | Brief Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM |
Sprint Presentations + Panel Session Financing the Future: Enabling Businesses to Reach their Sustainability Goals |
This panel will touch on green financing opportunities, investment programs, and other pathways leading to a sustainable food system. |
Presenter/Moderator: Jocelle Mamaril Assistant Division Chief, Strategy Management Division, Philippine Trade Training Center Panelists:
|
| 1:50 PM - 2:50 PM |
Keynote Presentation + Panel Session Embracing Transformative, Climate-Smart Food Systems |
The session will explore the ecological balance of food focusing on measures to mitigate sourcing risks, green technologies, and sustainable farming. The session will also explore practical, cost-effective strategies to enhance efficiency, resilience, and market competitiveness for a climate-smart food system. |
Keynote Presenter: Pendatun Patarasa, MPA Director General, Fisheries Services, MAFAR-BARMM Moderator: Dr. Nathaniel C. Bantayan Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Panelists:
|
| 2:50 PM - 3:05 PM | COFFEE BREAK | ||
| 3:10 PM - 3:55 PM |
Panel Session Fresh Perspectives on Sustainable Packaging |
The panel will cover the newest trends and technological advancements in sustainable packaging solutions. Delegates will discover eco-friendly alternatives that enhance product value, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with evolving consumer and regulatory demands. |
Moderator: Dr. Annabelle V. Briones Director, Department of Science and Technology - Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) Panelists:
|
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Sprint Presentations + Panel Session The Case for a Greener Future |
The panel will establish the need for compliance with environmental policies, as well as its connection to greater market access, higher trust, and long-term success. |
Moderator: Myra Magabilin Supervising Trade Industry Specialist, Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau of Philippine Standards Presenters/Panelists:
|
| 5:05 PM - 5:20 PM | Business Track Synthesis + Closing Remarks | The speaker will summarize important points from the Business Track sessions and deliver the day's closing remarks. |
Dr. Melodee Marciana E. De Castro Associate Professor, College of Economics and Management, UP Los Baños |
| Time | Session Title | Brief Description | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Sprint Presentations + Panel Session Meeting the Standard: Compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations |
The session will emphasize the need for compliance with environmental policies and establish ways consumers can help push for a more resilient economy. Join community leaders and local government representatives as they discuss effective measures to achieve sustainability goals through collaborative community involvement. |
Moderator: Gwyneth Anne Palmes Climate Action Programme Analyst, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Presenters/Panelists:
|
| 2:05 PM - 2:50 PM |
Sprint Presentations + Panel Session Mindful Consumption and Sustainable Living: Steps Toward Progressive Foodways |
The session will explore trends, challenges, and opportunities in the push for mindful consumption and sustainable living, aiming to impart measures to achieve a sustainable future. |
Moderator: Liezl Stuart del Rosario Team Lead for Sustainable Consumption and Production and Policy Engagement Lead, WWF-PH Panelists:
|
| 2:50 PM - 3:05 PM | COFFEE BREAK | ||
| 3:10 PM - 3:55 PM |
Sprint Presentations + Panel Session Transformative Approaches to Food Waste Management |
This session will focus on the environmental impacts of waste, identifying measures to responsibly manage plastic and food waste in households and communities. |
Presenter/Moderator: Dr. Marlon de Luna Era President, Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines (SWAPP) Panelists:
|
| 4:10 PM - 4:55 PM |
Sprint Presentations + Panel Session Taking Action: Social Enterprises on Consumer Education and Engagement |
The session will identify roles of social enterprises in transforming the food industry. Delegates will learn practical strategies to engage consumers and encourage them to adopt more conscientious practices. |
Moderator: Mari De Leon Presenters/Panelists:
|
| 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM | Consumer Track Synthesis + Closing Remarks | The speaker will summarize significant points from the consumer track and deliver the event's closing remarks. | Host - Mari De Leon |
Why Attend?
-
Expert Insights
Hear from government leaders, EU representatives, industry pioneers, community leaders, and financial experts.
-
Actionable Strategies
Gain practical knowledge on EPR compliance, green financing, sustainable packaging, waste reduction, and climate-smart agriculture.
-
Dedicated Tracks
Choose between focused Business and Consumer tracks on Day 2 (PM) tailored to specific interests.
-
Networking
Connect with peers, potential partners, and key stakeholders across the food ecosystem.
-
Be Part of the Solution
Contribute to the national dialogue on food sustainability and circularity.
Who Should Attend?
- Sustainability Innovators
- Solutions Providers
- Importers
- Trade Buyers
- Policymakers
- Non-government Organizations
- Academia
- Sustainability Advocates
Meet the Experts Shaping the Future
Delegate Passes Available Now!
IFEX Philippines Exhibitors
Local
₱3,500.00
Foreign
$84.00
GROUP DISCOUNT
Register 5, get 1 free!
Local
₱25,000.00
Foreign
$600.00
Walk-in Delegates (Local)
Regular
₱6,000.00
Government, Academe, Student, Senior Citizan, PWD
₱4,000.00
Walk-in Delegates (Foreign)
Regular
$150.00
Government, Academe, Student, Senior Citizan, PWD
$96.00
Getting to the SSX Conference: Philippine Trade Training Center
We look forward to welcoming you to the conference segment of the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) on May 22-23, 2025. All conference sessions will take place at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) in Pasay City.
To help you plan your visit, please use the interactive Google Map below.
Address:
Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)
PTTC Building, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, 1300
Navigating the SSX Hub: Exhibition & Business Matching at World Trade Center Metro Manila
The vibrant Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Exhibition and the dynamic Business Matching & Pitching Sessions will be hosted at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM).
To help you plan your visit, please use the interactive Google Map below.
Address:
World Trade Center Metro Manila
WTCMM Building, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, 1300, Metro Manila
SSX CO-PRESENTED BY:
SSX CO-ORGANIZED BY:
PROGRAM PARTNERS:
TRAINING AND EVENT PARTNER
OFFICIAL MOBILITY PARTNER
EVENT PARTNERS
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS SERVICES (BSS) PARTNERS
