THE Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), the training and capacity-building arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), formally joined the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) held recently at the DTI MSME Hub in Makati City.

PTTC is the first public sector institution to join the NZCA, reinforcing the growing role of government agencies in advancing the country’s transition toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between PTTC and the NZCA in promoting decarbonization, sustainability and climate action through capacity building, knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to empower businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the transition to a net-zero future.

Atty. Allan Barcena, NZCA executive director, emphasized the significance of public-private collaboration in driving meaningful climate action.

“The transition to a net-zero economy cannot be achieved by individual organizations working alone. Partnerships such as this demonstrate how government institutions and the private sector can work together to build capabilities, create opportunities and accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across industries,” Barcena said.

For her part, PTTC executive director Clare Mari Torralba reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustainability and inclusive economic growth. “As the country’s premier training institution for entre preneurship and enterprise development, PTTC recognizes the need to equip Filipino businesses with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a low-carbon economy. Through this partnership with the Net Zero Carbon Alliance, we look forward to supporting MSMEs and other stakeholders in embracing sustainable business practices and contributing to the nation’s climate goals,” Torralba said.

Founded by First Gen-Energy Development Corporation in 2021, the NZCA is the Philippines’ leading private sector-led coalition committed to helping organizations achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The alliance brings together companies, institutions and partners that share a common vision of accelerating decarbonization and fostering a regenerative future.

Atty. Allan Barcena, NZCA executive director (right), and Clare Mari Torralba,
PTTC executive director (left), unite to empower micro, small and medium
enterprises with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate a net-zero future.

By Frances Ariola