The Global Shift: From Voluntary to Mandatory

The PwC report highlights that sustainability reporting is no longer voluntary in many regions. Europe, the U.S., and parts of Asia have already introduced mandatory climate and ESG disclosure requirements, with IFRS S1 and S2 serving as the global baseline.

For Philippine firms, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has paved the way with Memorandum Circular No. 4, s. 2019 and MC No. 10, s. 2022, requiring publicly listed companies to file annual sustainability reports. With the Philippines releasing its first Green Equity Guidelines in 2025—a landmark move in ASEAN—there’s no question that ESG disclosure will soon be as non-negotiable as financial reporting.

Don’t wait for regulation to catch up.
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Why Investor-Grade ESG Reporting Matters

One of the most significant PwC findings is that investors don’t just want reports—they want reliable, comparable, and decision-useful disclosures. In fact, 85% of investors surveyed said they are skeptical of companies that lack assurance over ESG data.

For Philippine companies seeking green financing, cross-border capital, or global partnerships, producing a basic sustainability report is no longer enough. Reports must be:

• Aligned with IFRS S1 and S2
• TCFD-compliant on climate risk
• Supported by robust data systems
• Assured or audit-ready

Make your sustainability reporting investor-grade.
See how GCSS, Inc. supports disclosure strategy and assurance readiness

Net Zero, Climate Action, and the Path to Sustainable Development

The PwC survey also confirms a global pivot: companies are increasingly tying sustainability strategies to net zero and climate action commitments. For a country like the Philippines—among the most climate-vulnerable nations—this isn’t just about global reputation; it’s about long-term survival and resilience.

Philippine businesses that integrate net zero targets, climate risk disclosures, and sustainable development strategies into their reporting will:

• Anticipate regulatory convergence with IFRS and ASEAN green taxonomies
• Attract investors prioritizing low-carbon portfolios
• Build stakeholder trust through transparent corporate governance

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The Role of Sustainability Consultants in 2025

The PwC report highlights a paradox: while companies are producing more sustainability reports than ever, many still struggle with quality, comparability, and assurance readiness. This is where sustainability consultants play a critical role.

At GCSS, Inc., we partner with boards, CFOs, and sustainability teams to:

• Conduct materiality assessments that prioritize what truly matters
• Map disclosures across SEC, IFRS, TCFD, and GRI frameworks
• Build governance and resiliency structures that elevate ESG to the board level
• Support integrated reporting that links sustainability, finance, productivity, and sociability (see our services)

   

What This Means for Philippine Companies

The message from the PwC survey is clear: sustainability reporting is not optional, it’s strategic. Philippine companies that treat ESG as a compliance afterthought risk being left behind, while those that align early with global standards, net zero strategies, and investor expectations will secure long-term value.

This is no longer just about publishing a report—it’s about building a credible, resilient, and investment-ready future.

Ready to align your sustainability report with PwC insights and IFRS global standards?
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Turning Insights into Action

The PwC Global Sustainability Reporting Survey 2024 makes one thing clear: investor-grade ESG reporting, IFRS adoption, and credible sustainability reporting frameworks are no longer optional. Philippine companies that act early—embedding climate action, net zero commitments, and corporate governance leadership—will be the ones to gain investor trust and access to global capital.

Insights are valuable—but action is what builds trust.

Reach out at sales@gcssinc.com to begin your IFRS- and TCFD-aligned ESG journey. Book your discovery call here and talk to our experts today.

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