SU shares sustainability initiatives in First Gen webinar
Representing Silliman University (SU), Asst. Prof. Jane Annette Belarmino participated as a featured speaker and panelist in the “PowerEd Special: Powering a Future for the Next Generations” webinar organized by First Gen on May 8, 2026 at the RBC Training Room of the Rockwell Business Center Tower 3 in Pasig City, with the session also broadcast online via Zoom.
The webinar gathered industry leaders and sustainability advocates to discuss regenerative futures, decarbonization strategies, and the role of institutions and businesses in advancing renewable energy initiatives. Organized under First Gen’s “PowerEd” learning platform, the session aimed to move discussions “beyond the what of energy into the strategic why and the practical how of building a low-carbon future.”
Belarmino, from the SU College of Business Administration, delivered a case presentation on sustainability as a driver of resilience and growth, highlighting SU’s institutional commitment to environmental stewardship and its transition toward renewable energy.
In her presentation, Belarmino emphasized that the university’s sustainability efforts are deeply rooted in its vision, mission, and environmental principles, which call on the institution to become “responsible and accountable stewards of the environment” and to recognize “our calling as stewards of God’s creation.” She also cited the University’s Climate Emergency Declaration as part of its continuing response to climate-related challenges.
Belarmino discussed several programs that embody what she described as the University’s commitment to “walk the talk” on sustainability. Among these were the Apo Island marine conservation initiatives that contributed to coral reef regeneration and improved fish stocks, climate change adaptation research conducted by the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences, and collaborative community engagement efforts involving government agencies, civil society organizations, businesses, international partners, and local communities.
She likewise outlined the University’s journey toward renewable energy adoption, explaining that Silliman sought more stable and sustainable power sources as campus facilities expanded and energy costs continued to rise. She explained that the university explored renewable energy options following a mandate from its Board of Trustees and worked through coordinated efforts involving its engineering, legal, finance, and administrative units, with assistance from the Energy Regulatory Commission and its retail electricity supplier.
Belarmino also highlighted the impact of these sustainability initiatives on stakeholders within and beyond the campus community. She noted that students are able to witness environmental stewardship actively practiced by the institution and are encouraged to participate in environmental advocacies themselves. She added that renewable energy initiatives and sustainability efforts have also contributed to a more conducive learning and working environment for faculty and staff while helping the University manage operational costs more efficiently.
The event also featured First Gen President and Vice Chairman Giles Puno and First Gen Chief Customer Engagement Officer Carlos Vega. Discussions focused on global energy shifts, climate realities, and strategies for building resilient and regenerative organizations.
Asst. Prof. Jane Annette L. Belarmino poses with moderator Garry Garcia and other resource speakers, Giles Puno, First Gen’s President and Vice Chairman; and Carlos Vega, First Gen’s Chief Customer Engagement Officer.
First Gen is SU’s sole renewable energy provider. It has recognized SU as “a global benchmark for corporate stewardship” and cited the institution’s sustainability programs and renewable energy initiatives as models for other organizations.
