The Department of Energy (DOE) will shift the remaining ASEAN energy meetings under the Philippines’ 2026 chairship to an online format to further align with the government directive to adopt more cost-efficient and energy-conscious approaches to prioritizing energy security.

The decision follows a broader recalibration of the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN-related activities, announced in late March, which aims to focus resources on more urgent national and regional priorities such as the ongoing energy emergency.

Despite the change, the Philippines will continue to lead a full calendar of engagements, including sub-sector meetings in April and May, the Senior Officials Meeting on Energy in June, and the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in September.

An earlier in-person gathering, the ASEAN Special Senior Officials Meeting on Energy held in Bohol from January 20 to 22, had already been completed prior to the shift.

“Even as we adjust the format of our meetings, the Philippines remains fully committed to delivering a productive and results-oriented ASEAN energy chairship,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin. “By moving the meetings online, we can use resources more prudently, remain responsive to current realities, and sustain close coordination with our fellow ASEAN Member States and partners.”

The DOE emphasized that transitioning to a virtual format will not diminish the country’s role in advancing ASEAN’s energy agenda. Under its chairship, the Philippines is set to continue pushing key regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline.

The department also affirmed its commitment to maintaining active coordination with ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Centre for Energy, and dialogue partners to ensure discussions remain substantive and outcome-driven.

As the Philippines continues to lead ASEAN’s energy agenda, how might the shift to virtual meetings affect the pace and effectiveness of regional energy cooperation?

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