The Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) has expressed its full support for the appointment of Department of Energy (DOE) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Sharon Garin. They cited the move as a stabilizing force amid global energy market volatility and rising oil prices.

In an official statement, the solar industry welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to appoint an internal officer from within the DOE as caretaker. They stated that this choice promotes continuity and policy predictability during a time of economic uncertainty. The group emphasized that Garin’s familiarity with agency operations, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder dynamics would be crucial in reassuring investors and advancing ongoing energy reforms.

The statement comes as the global market grapples with the impact of the Middle East conflict, which has notably driven oil prices toward a projected USD120 per barrel. PSSEA says that this surge will likely burden Filipino households across food, transportation, and service sectors.

To mitigate this impact, the group urged the government to accelerate the rollout of solar energy, citing its affordability and rapid deployment potential. PSSEA expressed confidence that Garin’s leadership would bolster investor participation in the 4th Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), which particularly targets the installation of an additional 6 GW of solar capacity across ground-mounted, rooftop, and floating systems.

PSSEA also renewed its call for the DOE to remove financial entry barriers to GEAP participation. They warn that high requirements could limit market competition and result in undersubscription.

“We have to learn from the FiT 1 and 2 experience,” said Tetchi Capellan, CEO of SunAsia Energy and PSSEA Chair. “The 500 MW target was oversubscribed because no such barriers were introduced. Developers built first, took financial risks, and raced to meet deadlines in hopes of securing contracts.”

The alliance emphasized that an inclusive and well-structured approach to solar development will be the key to addressing both the energy crisis and long-term sustainability goals.

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