Energy stakeholders gathered at the 2026 Electric Cooperative (EC) Summit on April 14-15 at Novotel Manila Araneta City, with discussions centered on strengthening the resilience of electric cooperatives amidst rising energy costs and increasing climate risks.

Organized by Climate Smart Ventures and in partnership with the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the two-day event aimed to equip ECs with financial tools and strategies to support the transition toward more sustainable and resilient energy systems.

In his keynote address, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda highlighted the role of electrification in driving inclusive development, especially in underserved communities.

“Electrification not only improves our constituents’ quality of life but also lays the groundwork for resilient communities and broader economic participation,” Almeda said.

He noted that while expanding access to electricity remains a priority, the sector must now contend with the growing impact of climate change. This requires investments that ensure both sustainability and long-term system resilience.

Almeda also highlighted initiatives such as the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund (ECERF) and the Regional Procurement Hub, which enable faster restoration of power services in disaster-affected areas and strengthen the operational capacity of electric cooperatives.

Meanwhile, APEC Partylist Representative Sergio C. Dagooc emphasized the evolving role of ECs, describing them as “nation builders” that continue to bring electricity to remote and underserved communities.

He pointed to the growing challenges facing the sector, particularly in balancing the need for reliable service with the costs associated with modernization and the transition to renewable energy.

“We want it reliable, but we also want it affordable… nothing is free if we modernize our grid,” Dagooc said.

Dagooc added that while the global energy transition is accelerating, electric cooperatives remain at the forefront of delivering power in areas that are often not economically viable for private sector investment.

The summit comes at a time when the Philippines remains exposed to global energy price volatility due to its reliance on imported fuel, stressing the need for more resilient and self-sufficient energy systems.

Throughout the event, discussions highlighted the importance of innovative financing mechanisms to help ECs manage costs, invest in renewable energy, and strengthen infrastructure against climate-related disruptions.

As electric cooperatives navigate the challenges of modernization and energy transition, how can the sector balance affordability with the need for more resilient and sustainable power systems?

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