Privacy Policy


This Privacy Policy outlines the data protection practices for Sustainability PH, the digital platform of Sustainability Solutions Exchange. It details how the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), as the data controller, collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information in compliance with the Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA) of the Philippines, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable data privacy laws.

Effective Date: as of 14 October 2025

Information We Collect

We collect personal data that you provide to us when you register and interact with our website. The type of information we collect depends on whether you are a Supplier or a Purchaser.

  • For Suppliers: We collect information necessary for participation in our events and for showcasing on our platform. This includes:
    • Company Information: Registered business name, brand name, brief company profile, mission statement, environmental/sustainability projects & programs, phone number, mobile number, website URL, company master head image, company logo, company email address; Corporate Social Media Accounts – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, other links; Main Office Address – Country, no. and street/road, city/town, province/state, region, zipcode; Factory Address – Country, no. and street/road, city/town, province/state, zipcode.
    • Production Information: Product name, brief product description, product photos; product profile – Food, Sustainable Solutions, certifications, online store link.
    • Contact Information: Business Owner – first name, last name, M.I., designation, email address, country code, mobile no.; Business Contact Information – first name, last name, M.I., designation, email address, country code, mobile no.
    • Business Information: Business registration, company size, annual sales volume, type of organization, number of workers (direct, indirect/subcontractors), nature of business, target purchasers, target countries for export (top 3), certifications; industry representation – with export experience: countries exporting to (top 3), specific products and/or services offered; suppliers profile – food, sustainable solutions; sustainability focus areas for event content.
    • Order Information: Package – name, details, booth cost, discount, booth size, participation fee, package total; Add-ons – name, quantity, total; SSX mandatory fee, estimated total amount due.
    • Upload Requirements: Depending on exhibitor type, copies of registration, BIR form, valid licenses/certifications (e.g., LTO, CPR, Fairtrade, FSC, HACCP, Halal, ISO), and company brochure/catalog.
    • Account & Preference Information: Your password, newsletter subscription status, and marketing opt-in preferences.
  • For Purchasers: We collect information to facilitate your participation, networking, and business matching activities. This includes:
    • Company Information: Company name, country; Office Address – street/road, city/town, province/state, zipcode; phone number, company email address, website, year established; Corporate Social Media Accounts – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, other links; type of organization, nature of business; company representative – title, last name, first name, M.I., designation, email address, role in the company’s purchasing activities.
    • Purchasers Profile: Food and sustainable solutions.
    • Participation Information: Participation goals, source of event information, and interest in pre-arranged meetings during event dates.
    • Account & Preference Information: Your password, and marketing opt-in preferences.

How We Collect Your Information

Your personal data is collected directly from you through the website registration form when you create an account on the Sustainability PH platform. We also collect information automatically through tracking technologies like cookies when you browse our website.

How We Use Your Information

We process your personal information for the following specific purposes:

  • To manage your event registration and participation.
  • To facilitate business matching and communication between Suppliers and Purchasers.
  • To send you marketing communications, newsletters, and updates, provided you have given your consent.
  • To analyze website traffic and user behavior for service improvement.
  • To personalize and enhance your user experience on our platform.
  • To comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.

How We Share Your Information

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your data. We do not sell your personal information. We only share it in the following limited circumstances:

  • For Business Matching: Approved Purchasers can initiate communication with Suppliers by sending messages or requesting information. Suppliers can only respond to these purchaser-initiated communications.
  • With Third-Party Service Providers: We engage trusted third parties to perform certain functions on our behalf, including:
    • Mailchimp for email campaigns.
    • A third-party supplier for transactional emails (e.g., password resets, confirmations).
    • Google Analytics for website analytics and performance monitoring.
  • With Government and Partner Organizations: We may share data with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), its attached agencies, or event partners, under a formal Data Sharing Agreement.

Data Security and Retention

We have implemented robust technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include:

  • SSL/TLS encryption
  • Strict access controls
  • Firewalls
  • Regular security audits

We will retain your personal data for 10 years or until you request its deletion. Before the expiration of the 10-year period, we may update our Data Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions, for which your renewed consent will be required.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Our website uses essential, functional, marketing, and analytics cookies. By using our website, you consent to the use of these cookies. For more details, please see our Cookie Policy.

Your Rights as a Data Subject

You have rights over your personal data. In line with the DPA, GDPR, and other privacy laws, you have the right to:

  • Access and Update Your Data: Access and update your personal information via your user dashboard.
  • Be Informed: Know that your data is being or will be processed.
  • Object: Object to the processing of your personal data.
  • Erasure or Blocking (Right to be Forgotten): Request account and data deletion, unless retention is legally required.
  • Rectification: Correct inaccuracies in your personal data.
  • Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) or your local authority.

To exercise any of these rights, you may contact our Data Protection Officer.

International Data Transfers

Sustainability PH is a global platform. By registering and providing your information, you consent to the transfer of your data to the Philippines, where our operations are based. We ensure all transfers comply with legal requirements.

Children's Privacy

The Sustainability PH platform and Sustainability Solutions Exchange event are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review it periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:
Data Protection Officer: Atty. Eva Marie C. Mariquina
Email: dataprotection@citem.com.ph