The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has partnered with the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to launch the SPARK Program, a new initiative aimed at fostering sustainable practices among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The pilot program recently concluded, supporting 15 SMEs and 23 microenterprises in the Philippines. This effort is part of a larger collaboration to enhance sustainability reporting across ASEAN, where MSMEs play a crucial role in the economy. 

The SPARK Program focuses on building the capacity of MSMEs to adopt sustainability practices, which can help improve business resilience and competitiveness. Through a series of plenary sessions and one-on-one coaching, participants learned how to incorporate sustainability into their operations and report on their non-financial performance effectively. 

Key speakers from leading institutions, such as the Bank of the Philippine Islands and BDO Unibank, shared insights on integrating sustainability into business models and accessing financing for green initiatives. MSMEs also received guidance on managing environmental impacts, such as plastic waste, and utilizing technology for sustainability reporting. 

The program concluded with a graduation ceremony in August, marking the first step in a broader five-year initiative to embed sustainability in MSME value chains. Upcoming plans include a ‘train-the-trainers’ program and a workshop series on digital reporting. 

This collaboration highlights the importance of sustainability reporting, not only for large corporations but also for smaller enterprises. By embracing ESG principles, MSMEs can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and access new market opportunities. 

Sources: 

https://www.accesswire.com/919585/filipino-smes-can-spark-their-sustainability-potential 

https://www.globalreporting.org/news/news-center/enabling-filipino-smes-to-spark-their-sustainability-potential/ 

https://ecoactivetech.com/enabling-filipino-smes-to-spark-their-sustainability-potential/ 

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