Stronger typhoons and growing threats to biodiversity and food security are just some of the effects of climate change that have become more pronounced in the Philippines over the years. Therefore, tackling climate change is urgent and requires urgent action from all sectors of society.
As Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan, Nestlé Philippines is playing a leading role in tackling climate change in the country. Guided by Nestlé’s global ambition and roadmap to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Nestlé is committed to sourcing responsibly, transforming its operations and helping shape the future of waste.
These three net-zero focus areas are the central themes of Net-Zero IdeaNation, a project initiated by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) through the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship (DAME) and Nestlé Philippines to harness youth to climate action. The two parties recently signed an agreement to formalize the partnership.
What is Net Zero IdeaNation?
Net Zero IdeaNation consists of two phases. The first phase will run through the second semester of the 2021-2022 academic year, during which ABME 10 (Foundation of Entrepreneurship) students will be asked to come up with innovative and sustainable solutions to achieve net zero emissions. At the end of the course, the team with the best concept will be selected for the second stage competition in July 2022.
In the second phase, winning teams will receive mentorship from industry experts to further develop their ideas. All of this will culminate in a pitching competition in which one team will be named the winner of the Nestlé Net Zero Idea Nation.
Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., President of UPLB, said, “This work will be an excellent mentoring opportunity for our students, which will further inspire them to become more productive in helping to find solutions and pathways for sustainable business. Innovative and creative,” our vision is a future-oriented UPLB in society with stakeholders and communities. We hope to actively work with industry and this new form of partnership with Nestlé Philippines will go a long way towards improving the quality of education at the university during the pandemic. “
Nestle Philippines Arlene Tan-Bantoto, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, recognizes the power of youth in driving social change and making a lasting positive impact on the environment.
“Involving youth in climate action is important as they play a vital role in ensuring a livable future for the planet they will inherit. Through initiatives like this, Nestlé Philippines aims to empower young people and provide them with platform to help them address environmental issues that affect not only our country but the rest of the world,” she said.
Nestlé Philippines also offers postgraduate sustainability scholarships in partnership with the UPLB Graduate School.
