The Senate has approved the Department of Energy’s (DOE) proposed PHP 3.8-billion budget for 2026, marking the fastest budget deliberation for the agency to date, according to Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin.

Garin, who attended Thursday’s plenary debates with DOE officials and attached agencies, said the approval reflects legislative support for ongoing energy security and clean-energy transition programs. 

“The Senate’s swift approval of our budget is a clear vote of confidence in the DOE’s direction,” she said. “It allows us to move faster on our mandate to secure the country’s energy future while opening more space for private sector participation, especially in renewable energy.”

Garin thanked Senator Sherwin Gatchalian for his long-standing support, Senator Risa Hontiveros for raising clarifying questions during deliberations, and Senate President Tito Sotto for his leadership. She also acknowledged Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who has publicly cited the DOE as among the most efficient departments in government.

According to the department, the approved budget will prioritize programs on energy security, exploration and development infrastructure, and the clean energy transition.

A major component of the 2026 allocation will fund early-stage activities such as gradiometry and seismic surveys to assess geothermal, oil, gas, and hydrogen prospects. The DOE said these high-risk activities are intended to generate data needed to reduce uncertainty for investors and encourage private participation in exploration. 

Garin said these are strategic investments, noting that 60% of net income from petroleum and certain exploration activities accrues to the government under existing fiscal terms. “This is a wealth-creation endeavor,” she said. “Every peso we invest in data and exploration today increases our chances of unlocking new indigenous resources tomorrow.”

The DOE said private investment will remain the primary driver of renewable energy development, with the department focused on setting policy direction, reducing risk, and improving the investment environment in line with the Renewable Energy Act.

The agency said its 2026 budget will support activities that improve energy security through expanded indigenous resource exploration, prepare projects for private-sector uptake, and advance the renewable energy transition while aiming to deliver lower costs, better reliability, and reduced emissions for consumers.

What implications do you see this having for energy security, RE investment, or exploration activity next year?

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