In her opening remarks, Ms. Marie Antoinette Mariano, Vice Chairperson of the GPCCI Policy and Advocacy Committee, highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement on energy transition initiatives, renewable energy development, and the country’s evolving energy landscape. She underscored the Department of Energy’s (DOE) critical role in ensuring energy security and advancing sustainable energy systems amid global decarbonization efforts and rapid technological innovation. She also emphasized the IMPACT Dialogue Series as a valuable platform for aligning government and business perspectives on regulatory reforms.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Ms. Hershey Dela Cruz, Chief of the Energy Cooperation and Coordination Division (ECCD) of the DOE. She provided updates on the Department’s contingency and emergency response measures, fuel security programs, consumer protection initiatives, and long-term energy resilience strategies. Her presentation outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen fuel supply security, stabilize energy prices, and enhance energy efficiency nationwide.
Key topics discussed included:
- The Philippines’ energy landscape and fuel supply security, including import dependence, fuel inventories, and emergency procurement measures;
- The impact of global energy disruptions, particularly the Strait of Hormuz crisis, on fuel supply, oil prices, and the domestic energy sector;
- Government response initiatives, including Executive Order No. 110, fuel security and market stabilization measures, fuel price monitoring, and anti-hoarding enforcement;
- Energy efficiency, conservation, and social support programs, such as fuel subsidies, the Libreng Sakay program, energy labeling initiatives, and government-led energy management efforts; and
- Long-term energy resilience and policy reforms, including the National Oil and Gas Contingency Plan, renewable energy development, energy diversification strategies, and proposed legislative and regulatory measures.
The presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session moderated by Ms. Brenda Baylon, GPCCI Senior Vice President. Discussions focused on matters of particular relevance to the business community, including:
- Strategies to accelerate renewable energy deployment and achieve the targets outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan;
- Updates on the Green Energy Auction Program (GEA), including project implementation, investor participation, and upcoming auction rounds;
- Streamlining permitting and approval processes through the effective implementation of the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) and stronger coordination with local government units;
- Developments in emerging energy technologies and infrastructure, including nuclear energy, battery energy storage systems, transmission upgrades, and solutions for off-grid areas; and
- Investment opportunities in the energy sector, carbon market developments, and measures to attract greater private and foreign participation in renewable energy and energy transition initiatives.
The session concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Yves Aguilos, GPCCI Head of Government Affairs and Data Protection Officer, who thanked the Department of Energy and participating stakeholders for their valuable contributions. He encouraged continued collaboration in advancing a resilient, sustainable, and investment-ready energy sector.
The dialogue underscored the importance of sustained public-private engagement in supporting informed policymaking, strengthening energy security and resilience, and ensuring that regulatory reforms remain responsive to the needs of industry and economic growth.
