The Board of Investments (BOI) is positioning energy resilience as a central driver of investments, as it moves to facilitate partnerships between the Philippines and Slovenia in strengthening secure and reliable energy systems.

Speaking during the “Science2Business: Energy Resilience for Enhanced Security” conference, BOI Executive Director Bobby Fondevilla said the shift reflects the country’s growing focus on building energy systems that can withstand disruptions while also supporting long-term economic growth.

Fondevilla noted a “strong alignment” between Slovenia’s capabilities in sustainable energy infrastructure and the Philippines’ need to improve disaster preparedness and energy system security, especially as global risks continue to impact fuel supply and infrastructure stability.

The BOI said it is open to facilitating joint ventures, technology transfer, and research collaborations, especially in areas such as dual-use technologies and artificial intelligence-enabled crisis management systems that can enhance the resilience of energy infrastructure.

“We look forward to deeper engagement with our Slovenian counterparts, European partners, and all stakeholders present today, toward partnerships that create business opportunities while advancing shared security and sustainable growth,” Fondevilla said.

The agency emphasized that its investment strategy is increasingly prioritizing projects that integrate technology, sustainability, and resilience, with energy security now seen as a key consideration in attracting foreign investments.

This approach includes initiatives such as the Pax Silica program, which involves the planned development of a 1,600-hectare Economic Security Zone within the Luzon Economic Corridor. The project is envisioned as an AI-native industrial hub designed to strengthen supply chains in critical sectors, including those linked to energy and advanced manufacturing.

Business-to-business sessions held during the conference also aimed to translate these priorities into concrete partnerships, with Philippine and Slovenian firms exploring collaboration opportunities that could support more resilient infrastructure systems.

“These investments are not only critical to strengthening resilience but also to generating jobs, expanding industries, and supporting long-term economic development,” said Stratbase Group chief operating officer Rupert Paul Manhit.

Officials from Slovenia likewise underscored the importance of resilience in energy planning. Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Smiljana Knez said investing in energy efficiency is “really not optional. It’s essential,” highlighting how current decisions in energy systems will shape future security and stability.

Slovenia also expressed readiness to share technologies in smart energy management, digital security, and critical infrastructure protection—areas seen as crucial in building energy systems that can withstand both physical and market disruptions.

The BOI said strengthening partnerships anchored on energy resilience will be key to ensuring that investments not only drive growth but also support the country’s ability to respond to global uncertainties.

How important is energy resilience in shaping the future of energy investments in the Philippines?

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