A Reliable Partner for a Successful Sustainability Journey

Considering that life on the planet is on the line due to climate change, more companies are pressed to take their responsibilities seriously, and they also begin to appreciate the fact that sustainability can bring their businesses to further stability and success. In taking the journey towards sustainability, it greatly helps to have a trusted partner to guide in meaningfully integrating sustainability—from strategizing to reporting.. 

According to Mark Louie C. Contreras, partner for advisory services at professional services firm Reyes Tacandong & Co. (RSM Philippines/RT&Co.), embarking on a sustainable transformation journey means that companies seek to significantly strengthen their role in contributing to sustainable development and social progress in the country, as well as minimize their environmental impact, and staying ahead of the curve —all in efforts to build a brighter future for younger generations. 

“Sustainability is no longer a choice; it is the foundation of future-ready businesses. In the Philippines, a country rich in natural resources and diverse talent, embedding sustainability creates opportunities that transcend profits,” Mr. Contreras said in an email interview with BusinessWorld. “By integrating ESG principles into operations, businesses drive inclusivity by creating jobs in underserved communities, championing ethical supply chains, and mitigating climate risks. If sustainability is the top item on the agenda for business operations, we will be doing more good for our country's inclusive and long-term growth” 

Committed to strengthen its advocacy towards sustainability and good corporate governance, RT&Co. has been blazing a trail in the changing business landscape. It readily caters to organizations that seek to turn sustainability into a growth engine for their businesses by co-creating tailored strategies that address challenges and optimize opportunities while helping them achieve long-term growth.

Through its Sustainability and Strategic Governance Services, RT&Co. assists businesses in integrating sustainable practices and robust governance into their operations. Services like Strategic Advisory and ESG Strategy Development help clients align their operations with sustainable and responsible growth goals. These services enable businesses to manage risks and opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

The firm’s ESG Maturity Assessment and customized Sustainability Reporting, meanwhile, is designed to increase transparency and accountability, ensuring that businesses meet global standards and stakeholder expectations.

“By embedding sustainability into corporate governance frameworks, we ensure businesses operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability – core principles that not only strengthen governance but also build trust with stakeholders and position companies for sustainable growth. This alignment supports RT&Co.’s broader goal of promoting good corporate governance and responsible business conduct,” Mr. Contreras said.

Mapping out the journey through ESG

In taking the sustainability journey, adopting ESG standards serves to help businesses align their purpose with performance. 

“It’s about embedding sustainability into the DNA of businesses, creating long-term value for stakeholders while addressing urgent environmental and social challenges,” Mr. Contreras said.

By developing tailored ESG strategies, RT&Co. helps businesses transform their risks into opportunities, enabling its clients to proactively manage potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. 

The firm’s ESG Maturity and Gaps Assessments and Sustainable Reporting, which guides companies in identifying various risks and creating effective strategies to manage them—whether it’s environmental, economic, or related to the shifting stakeholder expectations.

Moreover, the firm’s ESG services provides training programs and guidance on IFRS Sustainability Standards to ensure transparency in sustainable reporting. 

Mr. Contreras highlights the significant role of sustainable reporting, noting that it can attract investments, partnerships, help businesses meet their sustainability targets and increase operational efficiency, which is crucial for sustainable growth among businesses. 

“Our ESG services cover the full spectrum of client needs – from ESG gap assessments and strategy formulation to impact measurement and compliance with global standards like ISSB S1 and S2,” Mr. Contreras explained. “Additionally, the firm provides training programs to build capacity in ESG practices and guidance on IFRS Sustainability Standards to ensure transparent reporting.”

“By working with RT&Co., clients gain access to a roadmap that ensures both measurable ESG impact and strategic business outcomes, empowering them to stay ahead of regulatory trends and stakeholder expectations while driving sustainable success,” he added. 

“With a proven track record of driving sustainable transformation, a team of forward-thinking professionals, and a commitment to excellence, RT&Co. is not just a service provider – we are your partner in building a future where businesses succeed by doing good. As we align our paths to sustainability, we can succeed together,” he said.

Currently, Reyes Tacandong & Co. has 45 Partners and Principals and a complement of around 1,200 professionals with offices in Makati, Davao, Cebu, Iloilo and Clark. Their main office is located at the 26^th Floor BDO Towers Valero, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati, 1226 Metro Manila. For inquiries on our sustainability and governance related services, please contact our advisory partner, Mr. Mark Louie Contreras at [email protected]. RT&Co. is a member firm of the RSM Network.