The Responsible Care Awareness in the Philippines (ReCAP) program, a partnership between the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK) and the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) conducted another successful session on May 27, 2025, at the PTTC in Pasay City. This was a work to develop environmental, health, and safety awareness of the chemical industry

The training session was opened with a thought -provoking opening message from Dr. Nathaniel Dugos, PIChE’s National President and highlighted that the call to promote environmental and human welfare should be addressed at all operational levels.

In her presentation, Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle, SPIK President, provided a comprehensive overview of the Responsible Care program. She elaborated on the Pollution Prevention and Distribution Codes of Management Practices, stressing the need for rigorous pollution control measures and an efficient supply chain that enhances safety and security. She highlighted the significance of a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and the reduction of operational risks.

Ms Janet Marcella, Technical Manager of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, presented the Security Code, which was essential adding complete security measures against theft and sabotage. She addressed the importance of risk assessments and the need for good procedures in managing sensitive materials.

Process Safety and Employee Health and Safety Codes, presented by Mr. Lian Derick Layog, Country Health, Safety, Security, Sustainability and Environment Manager of DKSH Philippines, Inc., focused on the regular upgrading of workplace environment and practices. He said that to prevent accidents, regular audits and training of staff was required along with conformity with the international standards.

The Product Stewardship Code was presented by Ms. Joy Pena, Senior Regulatory Specialist of Dow Chemical Philippines. She spoke on the need for responsible product design, manufacture and disposal to avoid damaging people and the environment. She also emphasized the importance of openness in revealing materials and of early involvement with stakeholders in a product’s life-cycle.

Engr. Albert Samuela’s, Marketing Director of Nalco Philippines-an Ecolab Company, take on the Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) Code echoed the need for planning and working with local populations to best handle a crisis. He pushed for communicating and sharing in emergencies.

The 15 participants found the training session to be timely and relevant from various sectors, manufacturing, warehousing, trading and logistics providers. The detailed preparations of the SPIK-PIChE Technical Working Group, consisting of Dr. Josephine Borja, Dr. Vergel Bungay, Engr. Elen Perlado of PIChE, and Engr. Arnold Benitez, Engr. Gretchen F. Enarle, Engr. Reinier Bagabay, and Ms. Antonette Fallarme of SPIK ensured a seamless and informative experience for all participants.

The training session served as a platform to highlight its united effort on the fact that responsible practices and sharing of knowledge is key to all. Through the sharing of best practices and lessons learned, the Philippine chemical industry is looking to reinforce its dedication to environmental conservation and safety, and to a more sustainable Filipino future.