Manila: The Marcos administration's decision to place energy security at the center of its development agenda will help ensure long-term economic resilience and support the transition to a sustainable energy system, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said. Speaking at the forum "Powering Profit in a Volatile World: Energy Strategies Amid Global Disruption" hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil.) Inc. on Tuesday night, Garin emphasized the growing importance of resilience in energy planning.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garin stated that resilience "has become the defining measure of energy security" amid geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and increasing climate-related impacts. She highlighted that ensuring adequate supply is no longer sufficient; energy systems must now anticipate risks, adapt to change, and sustain economic activity amid disruptions. For both businesses and nations, resilience is seen as a source of competitiveness, stability, and long-term growth.
Garin underscored the administration's commitment to energy security, highlighting efforts to strengthen preparedness for fuel supply disruptions. This objective is being pursued through the National Oil and Gas Contingency Plan (NOGCP), which aims to enhance coordination, response mechanisms, and supply availability during global oil and gas market shocks, emergencies, and other disruptions. "This ensures that while we pursue long-term transition, we continue to safeguard immediate energy security needs," Garin said.
She also highlighted the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050, which seeks to reduce dependence on imported fuel by developing domestic energy sources and increasing the share of renewable energy (RE) in the power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. This goal will be achieved through the inclusion of RE sources in the Green Energy Auction Program, having a Renewable Portfolio Standard, and the Green Energy Option Program.
Other measures include allowing up to 100 percent foreign ownership of RE projects, expanding transmission infrastructure, modernizing the power grid, and promoting the use of electric vehicles. Garin stressed that the success of these initiatives will depend on stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector. She concluded, "For the Philippines, our direction is clear: we are building a secure, reliable, resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy system that powers growth and attracts investment. The Department of Energy remains firmly committed to this transformation."
