An alternative paradigm for economic growth

ACROSS THE GLOBE, a profound shift is under way — one that seeks not only to preserve the planet but to reform the very systems that fuel economies, shape industries, and dictate the distribution of power and resources. Sustainability is now being positioned not as a cost or constraint, but as an engine of growth. When economies move toward low-carbon and climate-conscious models, innovation is unlocked, new markets are created, and human development becomes more equitable and resilient.

- Krystal Anjela H. Gamboa

The ways in which businesses can proceed further into the green transition were initially explored in the second fireside chat of BusinessWorld Forecast 2026 forum, which gleaned insights from Jose Victor Emmanuel “Jocot” A. de Dios, currently the chief executive officer (CEO) of Manila Water Co., Inc. and also the incoming president and CEO of Prime CoreGen, the gas unit of Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (Prime Infra).

RETHINKING GROWTH

Among the points discussed, it was noted that the green transition presents an alternative paradigm. It posits that development can be regenerative rather than exploitative, with renewable energy, circular production, green finance, sustainable infrastructure, and nature-based solutions redefining how value is built.

As the country accelerates this shift toward regenerative model or development, the success of the green transition hinges not only individual sustainability initiatives but on systems that enable them to scale.

Renewable energy projects, for instance, can only deliver their full economic and environmental value if the country possesses the capacity to transmit clean power efficiently from production sites.

Green growth is inseparable from the readiness of national infrastructure — especially in the energy sector, where stability, connectivity, and resilience determine long-term viability.

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE LOCAL CONTEXT

The fireside chat also tackled how the green transition should take the local context, especially the country’s current standing as a developing economy, in contrast to other countries which have seen gains from investing aggressively in renewable capacity, such as strengthened energy independence and increased job generation.

“You also have to grapple with the fact that we are a developing country,” Mr. de Dios noted.