The Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc., in partnership with Cerise+SPTF, organized a two-day workshop on Environmental Performance Management (EPM) on February 6-7, 2024 at the BSA Twin Towers Hotel in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.
The workshop focused on Dimension 7 of the updated Universal Standards for Social and Environmental Performance Management (USSEPM). Dimension 7 provides a strategic pathway to assess a financial institution’s strengths and weaknesses in managing environmental risks and promoting eco-responsible practices both at the institution and client level.
Laura Foose, Executive Director of Cerise+SPTF, graced the event and provided a keynote message on the value of integrating environmental lens in financial inclusion strategy. Subsequent discussions during the workshop centered on USSEPM and the significance of Dimension 7, and on identifying and addressing key environmental risks, defining an environmental strategy and action plan, conducting an EPM self-assessment, and preparing an advocacy and communication action plan.
Forty-six participants from 19 financial service providers (FSPs) and one network of cooperatives participated in the workshop. The group consisted of heads of FSPs, compliance officers, risk management team members, SPM focal persons, and heads and officers of operations, research and development, and client services.