Energy security took center stage at the Philippines Energy Forum 2026, as government officials and industry leaders discussed the country’s vulnerabilities and ongoing efforts to strengthen supply and resilience.

Held on April 8 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, the forum featured keynote speeches from Senator Imee Marcos and Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Mandy Romero, who highlighted both the challenges and policy directions shaping the sector.

Senator Imee Marcos underscored the Philippines’ continued reliance on imported fuel, noting that the country remains highly exposed to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

“We keep hearing the Philippines is 95% to 98% oil dependent upon the Middle East,” Marcos said, pointing to the country’s vulnerability to external developments.

She noted that fuel reserves remain limited compared to regional peers and emphasized the need to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage supply shocks.

Marcos also pointed to the impact of rising fuel prices on key sectors such as transport and agriculture, where diesel costs play a significant role in operations and overall costs.

“There has been a very scattered and slow response,” she said, emphasizing the need for more coordinated and targeted measures to address the situation.

She outlined a range of proposed actions, including targeted support for vulnerable sectors, expansion of fuel reserves, and increased investment in energy infrastructure and renewable energy.

Marcos also highlighted the importance of long-term reforms, including diversifying the country’s energy mix and modernizing power systems to improve overall resilience.

For its part, DOE Undersecretary Mandy Romero presented the government’s approach to addressing energy challenges, emphasizing that energy security remains a key priority.

“Energy security is never only a technical concern, it is a human concern. It is a matter of daily life, public welfare,” Romero said, speaking on behalf of Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin.

Romero outlined a three-pillar strategy focused on strengthening domestic energy supply, modernizing infrastructure, and accelerating the country’s energy transition.

She said efforts are underway to expand indigenous energy resources, including the continued development of natural gas and the rollout of renewable energy projects through green energy auctions.

The DOE is also working to improve grid infrastructure and address system constraints to ensure that power supply can be delivered reliably across the country.

At the same time, the department is pushing to increase the share of renewable energy in the generation mix, targeting 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

Romero noted that recent investment figures indicate sustained interest in the sector, particularly in renewable energy, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s energy transition.

She also emphasized the role of energy efficiency in maintaining system stability, calling on industry stakeholders to adopt more efficient technologies and practices.

“The cleanest energy is the energy that we do not waste,” Romero said.

Both speakers underscored the importance of strengthening the country’s energy security, particularly as global developments continue to influence domestic supply and pricing.

The forum highlighted the need for a coordinated approach that balances immediate concerns with long-term strategies to ensure a stable, reliable, and sustainable energy future.

How can the Philippines balance immediate energy security concerns with long-term sustainability goals?

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