President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Atty. Sharon Garin as the new Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro announced during a Malacañang press briefing on July 10.

“Sec. Garin is a lawyer and CPA with extensive public service experience, having served as a multi-term Iloilo representative and DOE Undersecretary with a strong background in energy policy and legislation to advance accessible, reliable, and sustainable energy for our people,” said Castro.

Garin’s appointment was announced alongside that of Mr. Dave Gomez as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office.

“We look forward to their leadership as we strengthen government communications and secure our country’s energy needs under Bagong Pilipinas,” Castro added.

Garin was designated DOE Officer-in-Charge (OIC) on May 23, 2025, during a major cabinet reshuffle that saw former Energy Secretary Raphael “Popo” Lotilla reassigned to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 

As OIC, Garin emphasized policy continuity, pledging to sustain Lotilla’s reforms, particularly in expanding renewable energy capacity and attracting investor interest. She highlighted the addition of 4,000 megawatts of new installed capacity over the past three years and projected 11 gigawatts in the coming three years, crediting policies like 100% foreign ownership in renewable energy projects.

During her OIC tenure, Garin took steps to address pressing energy sector issues. Last month, she signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Provincial Government of Siquijor to implement the Solar Solutions for Government program, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public buildings. 

Her OIC role also saw continued advocacy for nuclear energy, building on her prior work as DOE Undersecretary overseeing the Nuclear Energy Program Interagency Committee. Garin supported the establishment of an independent nuclear regulatory authority and the passage of the PhilATOM bill to ensure safe nuclear power development, aligning with the Philippines’ goal of 1,200 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2032.

What do you think this appointment means for the energy sector? Join the discussion.

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