The clean energy transition will only succeed if the country also invests in preparing a workforce equipped to lead in sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development. This was the message delivered by Atty. Richie Avigale Ramos Pilares at an energy seminar titled, “Sustainable Energy Transition: Integrating Efficiency, Innovation, and Renewables” and hosted by the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute (PERPI).

Pilares, a seasoned legal and policy expert with experience in energy governance and education, emphasized the growing urgency to align the country’s labor force with the needs of a decarbonized economy. While recognizing that fossil fuels continue to play a role in energy supply, she stressed that the shift to renewables and low-carbon technologies requires a parallel shift in skills and job readiness.

“We are facing a rapidly evolving landscape where digital tools, climate action, and new technologies are reshaping how energy is produced, managed, and consumed,” she said. “Our future workforce must be technically skilled, climate-conscious, agile, and inclusive.”

She cited ongoing trends such as the rise of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, grid modernization, and energy storage as transformative forces in the sector. Yet, despite these advancements, the Philippine workforce still faces significant barriers in adapting to emerging demands.

Among the key challenges identified were skills mismatches, outdated technical and vocational education, lack of green career awareness, and underrepresentation of women and marginalized groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. According to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) data shared during a previous forum, only 29% of surveyed youth are familiar with green jobs, and just 41% of those expressed interest in pursuing them.

Pilares also pointed out that most renewable energy (RE) projects are located outside Metro Manila, creating geographic barriers to workforce participation. Furthermore, many companies continue to hire from competitors rather than invest in training new talent. This, she warned, can stall the momentum needed for a just transition.

To address these gaps, she highlighted the role of education reform, particularly the integration of sustainability into K–12 curricula and university programs. Efforts by TESDA and DepEd to embed green competencies into training regulations were noted as important steps in the right direction.

The forum also presented labor data from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), showing that most RE employees are male (79%), with the majority holding degrees in engineering. Encouragingly, 82% of RE workers were in regular positions, indicating that green jobs offer stable employment opportunities.

Pilares advocated for stronger collaboration between government, academia, and industry, calling for policies that align labor and education with climate goals, as well as greater investments in upskilling and public-private partnerships.

“There is space for everyone in the energy transition—including those coming from other fields,” she said, pointing to examples of professionals shifting from agriculture to renewables. “What matters is the skill set, adaptability, and willingness to learn.”

She concluded by urging stakeholders to develop green job roadmaps, incentivize training and research, and create inclusive cross-sector partnerships. “Clean energy transition will require workforce transition,” she said. “We must equip today’s youth—and current workers—for tomorrow’s challenges.”

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