Okada Manila, the Philippines’ largest Forbes Five-Star integrated resort, has earned the Responsible Hospitality badge for the second consecutive year, recognizing its ongoing efforts in environmental stewardship, employee well-being, and community engagement.
The distinction places Okada Manila among 412 hotels worldwide recognized under the program, including four properties in the Philippines. The resort was the first integrated resort in the country to receive the badge in 2025.
Developed by Forbes Travel Guide with hospitality sustainability expert Hervé Houdré, the program evaluates properties against more than 100 standards covering energy and water efficiency, waste management, employee welfare, health and safety, responsible sourcing, and community engagement. At Okada Manila, these standards show up across its 30-hectare property—from its wastewater treatment system and food rescue program to employee wellness initiatives and guest-facing measures that reduce resource consumption.
“Earning the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge for a second consecutive year affirms that responsible hospitality is not separate from luxury—it is an integral part of how we define excellence at Okada Manila,” said Nobuki Sato, President and Chief Operating Officer of Okada Manila. He added that the recognition reflects the work of teams across guest rooms, restaurants, engineering operations, grounds, and community partnerships.
Sustainability Behind the Scenes
One of the resort’s most significant environmental initiatives is its wastewater management system. The sewage treatment plant processes approximately 2,217 cubic meters of wastewater daily; treated water is then reused for irrigation across 9.3 hectares of external grounds and for cooling towers that support the property’s air-conditioning systems. This reduces reliance on external water resources for non-potable applications while sustaining the property’s extensive landscaping.
Everyday guest operations also reflect resource-conscious practices: digital registration cuts paper use, wooden key cards and glass water bottles replace conventional materials, and in-room tablets provide digital access to room controls and resort services. Smart lighting and climate-control systems further help manage energy consumption.
Reducing Waste, Extending Impact
The resort’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its own operations. Through its partnership with Scholars of Sustenance Philippines, surplus food from selected buffet and banquet operations is recovered and redistributed to communities in need—as of July 2026, the partnership had rescued and donated 1,614 kilograms of food, equivalent to 6,773 meals.
Okada Manila has also moved away from conventional plastic food packaging. Since introducing sugarcane-based containers in October 2025 through partnerships with SECAED Global Enterprise and EcoNest, the resort has used 105,300 containers as plastic alternatives.
These programs fall under Okada Green Heart, the resort’s ESG framework spanning environmental, social, and governance initiatives.
Supporting the People Behind the Resort
Employee well-being is another pillar of the program. In 2026, the resort’s flu vaccination drive reached 2,664 team members, while a four-day PhilHealth YAKAP Caravan served 1,549 team members. Monthly Wellness Wednesday sessions round out the effort, promoting physical activity and mental well-being among staff.
Building on a Second Year of Recognition
This second consecutive badge adds to Okada Manila’s Forbes Five-Star credentials while spotlighting the operational work behind its hospitality offering. Through Okada Green Heart, the resort organizes its efforts around six pillars: Waste Management, Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation, Talent and Community, Safety, Security and Welfare, and Responsible Gaming.
Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone initiative, Okada Manila continues to weave these practices into daily operations, from managing water and food waste to supporting its employees and surrounding communities.
The recognition reflects Okada Manila’s continued commitment to the standards set by the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality program. For more on the resort’s sustainability initiatives, visit Okada Green Heart.
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