Cebu MICE sector urged to adopt sustainable event practices

Local

CEBU’S growing ambitions as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination are bringing sustainability to the forefront, with industry stakeholders calling for more environmentally responsible practices in organizing conventions and other large-scale events.

As the island expands its capacity to host international gatherings, event organizers, venue operators and hospitality businesses are being urged to address the environmental impact of their operations, particularly in transportation, energy consumption, food waste and resource management.

Envi-Comm Corp. Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Liow said sustainability should go beyond compliance and become part of the decision-making process of businesses, emphasizing that how organizations consume resources has long-term consequences for the environment.

She cited the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production as particularly relevant to the MICE sector, which relies heavily on food, materials, energy and other resources.

In Cebu, one practical measure would be to consider accessibility when choosing event venues, particularly locations connected to public transportation, to minimize the use of private vehicles and reduce transport-related emissions.

Liow also stressed the need to address food waste, noting that resources used in food production and preparation should not go to waste when they can still be utilized.

However, she pointed out that the Philippines still has limited practices for measuring the carbon emissions generated by events, underscoring the need to equip industry professionals with the skills to assess and reduce their environmental footprint.

To address this gap, Envi-Comm is bringing the Certified Event Sustainability (CES) Accreditation program to the Philippines, with Cebu chosen as the venue for its inaugural batch.

Envi-Comm Founder Engr. Karlo Cuizon said Cebu's expanding convention and hospitality infrastructure, coupled with its growing presence in the national MICE industry, made it a strategic location to introduce the program.

"Cebu is at the forefront of being the MICE industry for the whole Philippines, and we have a very strong presence in terms of our new venues to do such events," Cuizon said.

The initiative also comes as Cebu prepares to host MICE Con, highlighting the importance of developing local expertise to meet the sustainability standards increasingly expected by international organizers and business clients.

Developed by Singapore's NTUC LearningHub and accredited by the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), the five-day program covers sustainability strategies for MICE, sustainable tourism and event operations, and communicating environmental initiatives.

Participants will learn to assess event waste, measure carbon emissions, manage suppliers and stakeholders, and apply circular economy principles in event planning.

The program has been offered in Singapore since 2023, producing more than 150 accredited professionals, and has since expanded to Hong Kong and Malaysia.

While Singapore requires event companies to have at least one certified sustainability professional representing their organization, Cuizon said Envi-Comm is not pushing for a similar policy in the Philippines at this stage.

Instead, the company hopes to work with local industry groups and government agencies to encourage wider adoption of sustainability training.

The first Philippine cohort will run from Nov. 23 to 27 at Citadines Cebu City. It is open to event organizers, venue operators, tourism and hospitality professionals, marketing practitioners and educators, with no previous sustainability experience required.

Successful participants will receive SACEOS-endorsed accreditation and a certificate from NTUC LearningHub, valid for three years subject to renewal through continuing education.(MyTVCebu)