FATHERHOOD is more than the daily responsibilities of children. It is the foundation of a legacy that lasts beyond a father’s lifetime. From shaping values to instilling wisdom, every action a father takes contributes to a future that extends well beyond his years. Traditionally, legacy has been associated with financial security, career achievements and tangible assets passed down to children. While these elements are important, the legacy of fathers includes the world they leave behind — a planet that must be nurtured for future generations to thrive.
With the celebration of Father’s Day this June, we have the opportunity to reflect on what it means to leave something behind. Children inherit more than material possessions: they inherit values, perspectives and the environment they grow up in. Today’s fathers are uniquely positioned to play an active role in shaping a legacy that includes sustainability, ensuring that their children can flourish in a world that is secure, resilient and prepared for the future.
A better world for our children
A father’s deepest instinct is to protect and provide for his children. Beyond ensuring their immediate needs are met, fathers look ahead, wanting their children to inherit a world filled with opportunity, stability and prosperity. This desire parallels the principles of environmental stewardship, which requires foresight and commitment to safeguard future well-being.
Leaving a better world for our children starts with everyday actions. Whether it is choosing to reduce household waste, conserving energy or supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability, fathers can take intentional steps toward creating a thriving future. The choices made today — big or small — will affect generations to come.
In the Philippine context, these efforts are supported by national policies such as the Climate Change Act of 2009, which institutionalizes climate change mitigation and adaptation. The law promotes community-based initiatives and public awareness that communities and households can be a part of.
Beyond individual efforts, fathers also play a crucial role in advocating for broader societal change. Supporting policies that promote environmental sustainability, engaging in community initiatives for risk reduction and educating children about responsible consumption are powerful ways to shape a future where sustainability is ingrained in everyday life.
Teaching children about environmental responsibility is equally important. Fathers can lead by example by demonstrating conscious consumption, mindful resource management and active participation in sustainability efforts. Encouraging children to engage in eco-friendly activities, such as gardening, nature walks and recycling projects, fosters a sense of environmental awareness from an early age.
Beyond green
Coinciding with Father’s Day celebrations is the celebration of the Sustainability Awareness Month this June. With the theme, “Beyond Green,” we shift the conversation from surface-level eco-friendly initiatives to comprehensive strategies that emphasize risk reduction and resilience.
Sustainability is no longer just about reducing carbon footprints or planting trees: it encompasses securing access to clean air, water and food; mitigating climate change impacts; and protecting ecosystems for future generations. It also means fostering resilience. This involves building adaptable systems that allow communities to withstand environmental challenges, ensuring that future generations are not left vulnerable to crises beyond their control.
Risk reduction plays a crucial role in long-term sustainability. It involves safeguarding natural resources, implementing policies that protect ecosystems and investing in technologies that mitigate climate-related risks. The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 exemplifies this approach by promoting proactive risk reduction, climate adaptation and community resilience. Without active risk reduction, sustainability efforts can falter, leaving future generations exposed to environmental uncertainties.
Resilience, on the other hand, ensures that communities can weather changes and challenges effectively. From developing infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather conditions to creating educational programs that prepare children for environmental shifts, resilience is the key to long-term sustainability. Fathers, in their role as providers and protectors, naturally embody resilience in their efforts to secure the future of their families.
One of the most influential forces in the sustainability movement is the financial sector. Banks and financial institutions have the ability to drive meaningful change by aligning investments with environmentally responsible practices. The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) stands at the forefront of sustainable finance, pioneering initiatives that integrate sustainability into financial decision-making.
Leading the charge: The role of financial institutions
Financial institutions have the power to drive lasting, sustainable change. At BPI, our commitment to sustainability is unwavering, as evidenced by our pioneering efforts in green finance and environmental stewardship. We were the first in the Philippines to implement many groundbreaking sustainability initiatives, including:
Coal phaseout policy — our time-bound commitment to completely phase out exposure to coal power generation.
Renewable energy (RE) transition — moving all high-rise corporate buildings and over 70 branches to 100-percent RE.
Green and social bond offerings — the first bank in Southeast Asia to issue a negative-yielding sustainability-linked bond and a Covid-19 response bond.
Energy transition finance facility — a global-first financing project to repurpose coal-fired power plants into RE facilities.
Green financing solutions — offering tailored products such as electric vehicle financing and solar mortgage loans to empower individuals to make eco-conscious choices.
Our responsibility extends beyond financial performance — we are committed to leaving a positive and lasting impact on society. By integrating sustainability into our operations, we help individuals make informed financial decisions that align with a future where their children can thrive.
An enduring impact
A father’s legacy is not measured solely in material wealth but in the stability, health and resilience of the world he leaves behind. The decisions we make today, both as individuals and as institutions, will define the future for generations to come. During this month that celebrates Father’s Day, I encourage fellow fathers to reflect on the legacy they are building. Our impact goes beyond family — it extends to the world we shape for our children. As BPI demonstrates, sustainability must be an integral part of our decisions, both financial and personal.
The greatest gift a father can offer is not found in material possessions: it is the promise of a thriving, resilient planet where future generations can live, grow and prosper.
Eric M. Luchangco is the chief finance officer and chief sustainability officer of the Bank of the Philippine Islands.
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