A Call for a New Era in Philippine Energy: Embracing Resilience and Sustainability
In these tumultuous times, where global events shake the very foundations of our energy security, leaders across both government and the private sector are raising the alarm. They urge us to tap into our own indigenous energy sources—an essential step towards reducing our reliance on imported fuels and shielding our nation from unpredictable price swings that can send shockwaves through our economy.
During a significant address at the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines’ (EJAP) third energy forum on May 26, 2026, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, as expressed by Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, painted a clear picture of our current challenges. “Beyond these challenges lies a critical opportunity,” Garin stated passionately, “to move decisively from crisis response and define a new era of Philippine energy—one that is secure, sustainable, resilient, and centered on the needs of the people.”
At the heart of this vision is a powerful commitment to maximize our domestic energy resources, particularly renewable energy. It’s a call not just for action, but for a collective shift in mindset.
In a compelling video message, Francis Saturnino Juan, the chairperson and CEO of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), drove this point home. He spoke urgently about the need for energy storage solutions to bolster our grid’s stability, ensuring that we have a reliable energy supply, particularly during peak demand.
“If we had the storage to capture even a portion of that midday surplus,” Juan emphasized, with a tone filled with hope, “none of that energy would go to waste, and the cushion that failed us the other week would be materially thicker.”
Throughout the panel discussions at the forum, other experts echoed this sentiment. ERC Director for Market Operations Service, Sharon Montañer, highlighted the importance of blending energy security with the development of a more adaptable and resilient power system. Fuentebella, who heads the Department of Energy’s energy efficiency initiatives, underscored a crucial point: “Energy resiliency is key to navigating the ongoing global oil crisis.”
From the private sector, voices like Dennis Jordan, president and CEO of MGEN Renewables, and Jose Victor Emmanuel de Dios, president and CEO of Prime CoreGen, joined the chorus, advocating for greater diversification in our energy sources. This, they argued, is vital to moving forward.
However, getting there won’t be easy. Former Energy Undersecretary Jose Layug Jr., now a Senior Partner at DivinaLaw, pointed out a pressing obstacle: the permitting process. He shared a thought that resonates deeply: “We just need to put in more power supply so that we won’t have to face all the problems every summer. And that supply can be achieved if we streamline those permits.”
The third EJAP energy forum, held at the Frabelle Corporate Plaza in Makati City under the theme “Beyond the Crisis: Defining a New Era of Philippine Energy,” was made possible thanks to generous support from various organizations, including Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., Aboitiz Power Corp., and several others.
As we stand on the brink of this new era, let us echo the call of our leaders. It’s time to embrace our potential, innovate, and collaborate. Together, we can build a future where our energy is secure, sustainable, and resilient—one that resonates with the needs of every Filipino.
