The Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK) convened its 180th General Membership Meeting March 3, 2026 at Kingsford Hotel, Manila, a landmark event for one of the Philippines’ leading organizations in the chemical industry. This year, the gathering celebrated the theme, “One Beginning, One Voice, One Sustainable Future,” and the renewed commitment of the members to set a standard of action based on unity and sustainability for a new era. The theme of cooperation and shared mission epitomized and the conclusion that for a successful evolution in the chemical industry, change is likely to come from a common voice embracing creativity, sustainability and social accountability.

Mr. Jahzon Lih, Vice President for Internal Affairs, graciously welcomed those who attended and thanked the members for their continued enthusiasm and support. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of solidarity and a common goal, especially as sustainability and responsible behavior are no longer optional. SPIK, he emphasized, is strong because it brings together stakeholders who are from diverse backgrounds to inspire collaboration to create new ideas and address a sector’s top challenges, he said. 

Atty. Jacqueline L. De Guzman, PDEA, keynote address highlighted the vital importance of regulatory compliance and ethical conduct within the chemical industry. She emphasized the need for strong cooperation among industries and government departments in combatting and preventing misuse and illegal distribution of chemicals, problems posing dangerous consequences on national security and public safety. Atty. De Guzman referenced recent developments by PDEA to bolster monitoring protocols and asked members of the SPIK to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility, emphasizing their vital role in protecting communities. 

Atty. De Guzman also officiated the induction ceremony of the new Officers and Board of Directors. The new leadership, including President Aldrich Bentilanon, Vice Presidents Jahzon Lih and Danrina Begonia, Secretary Lyn Valdez, Treasurer Romeo Dela Cruz and Directors Reinier Jay Bagabay, Doris Torres, Mary Grace San Jose, Arnold Benitez, Gretchen Fontejon-Enarle and Amy Chua, have been reinvigorated with a fresh enthusiasm and expertise. Their leadership will help to further SPIK’s vision for change. 

After the induction, newly elected President Aldrich Bentilanon delivered an inspiring speech that set the foundation for her term of leadership. She thanked the outgoing officers for their dedicated service and appreciated the strong foundation they had laid. She reminded us of SPIK’s dedication to promoting a broadened Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda, where responsible industry practices are not just necessary to comply with regulations but also key to the long-term growth of our organization, trust, and the trust of our communities. She encouraged everyone to join together to bring about the implementation and realization of paradigm shifts that will secure our chemical industry’s resilience and future for the Philippines. With hope and energy, she urged, with a firm belief that the chemical industry will ensure a bright future in the Philippines.

Engr. Jose Joel Maleon from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), gave an engaging presentation on future environmental policies and sustainable practices aimed at the chemical industry. He also stressed the increasing international and local push for industries to shrink carbon footprints and go green with technology. Engr. Maleon laid down EMB’s current practices on waste minimization, energy efficiency and pollution minimization and showed how the emphasis on compliance enhances competitiveness but also innovation. SPIK members should set the example of acting on these strategies, he said, and the beneficial effects are both business and ecological in nature. 

The meeting featured a solemn Pledge of Commitment ceremony led by Director Romeo G. Dela Cruz, symbolizing members’ collective dedication to SPIK’s expanded vision of sustainability that transcends the standard Responsible Care framework. The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee, recommitted to the active pursuit and incorporation of holistic Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the organization and the global chemical industry. This commitment represents their dedication to maintaining high ethical and regulatory standards at the forefront of a transformative change process that serves communities and environmental sustainability. 

Director Arnold Benitez concluded by thanking the members for their unwavering commitment to the cause, and reaffirmed that collaboration is key to SPIK’s continued success. He emphasized the shared obligation of our corporate leaders to lead a sustainable future in line with the SPIK mission on a responsible and resilient chemical industry for the Philippines. United, SPIK is ready to face what might be the obstacles and take the strides we are meant to face.