Perez elected to board of WWF-International

MANILA, Philippines - Former Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez was recently elected to the international board of trustees of WWF-International. 

Perez is the first Filipino to become a member of the prestigious board, composed of about a dozen of the world’s most influential leaders from a host of cultures and professions.

At present, Perez sits as chairman of WWF-Philippines and El Nido Resorts, and is CEO of Alternergy Partners, a renewable power company. 

He was the country’s youngest Energy minister; serving from June 2001 to March 2005. 

He also served briefly in 2001 as undersecretary for industry at the Department of Trade and Industry, preceded by a 17-year-stint as an investment banker in London, New York, and Singapore. He arranged several debt for nature swaps for the Philippines. 

“WWF’s International Board is meant to represent the diverse cultures and initiatives of WWF,” WWF-Philippines vice-chairman and CEO Lory Tan said.

Tan said Perez’s election represents the global significance of the Coral Triangle, which sustains over 120 million people in six countries, including the Philippines.

“The Philippines is amongst the most productive countries in this region – yet it is threatened by destructive climate shifts and unchecked human impacts. His appointment is a big step not just for the country, but for the region – as it will highlight the importance of the Coral Triangle,” Tan added.

Perez obtained an MBA from the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1983 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines. 

He was a 2005 World Fellow at Yale University, where he lectured an MBA class on renewable power in emerging countries. 

“Asia is the world’s fastest-emerging market. However, development usually comes with hefty ecological costs. We must ensure that Asian development is done responsibly – through sustainable, low-impact and climate-conscious steps. Progress can never take precedence over the fragile ecosystems which provide food, water and renewable energy. Should our efforts meet success, we can ensure the productivity of the Coral Triangle for years to come,” Perez said.

The WWF International board is responsible for the conduct, administration and representation of WWF globally, defining its missions and policies. It is also responsible for establishing the management structure of the foundation.