Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Philippines, a nation grappling with some of Southeast Asia's highest electricity rates, is at a pivotal moment in its energy journey. Despite facing a surge in demand from a growing population and expanding industries, the country is on a path toward a greener, more efficient future. The decisions made today are set to shape the energy landscape for generations to come, as the nation embraces new policies, regulations, and technologies to build a more resilient energy system.
This dynamic context is the focus of the ENERGY SMART FORUM 2025, the 14th edition of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines' (ECCP) flagship energy event. The forum, held on August 28, 2025, at the Dusit Thani Manila, brought together government officials, industry experts, business leaders, and innovators to tackle the most critical issues facing the sector. The theme, "Driving Energy Revolution: Charting the Path to a Sustainable and Resilient Future," highlighted the event's mission to accelerate the Philippines' journey toward a secure energy future.
A Day of Transformative Discussions
The forum was structured into four main sessions, each diving into a key aspect of the energy revolution.
Session I: Power Shift: The New Rules Shaping the Future of Philippine Energy
The day began with a focus on policy and regulation. The opening session featured Hon. Mylene C. Capongcol, Undersecretary of the Department of Energy, and Atty. Nancy Aurora Q. Fajardo, Executive Director of the Energy Regulatory Commission. They discussed the latest policy and regulatory shifts that are defining the nation's energy future. The discussion also included a panel with representatives from the Asian Development Bank, International Finance Corporation, and AboitizPower, moderated by Quintin Pastrana, President of WEnergy Power Pilipinas.
Session II: Unleashing the Full Power of Renewables
Following the initial session, the spotlight shifted to renewable energy. This segment explored innovative solutions and the challenges of accelerating renewables from policy to reality. Speakers such as Hon. Mylene C. Capongcol and Mr. Jasper Manlapaz of Copenhagen Infrastructure Service Co. led the discussion. The session also included a relaunch of the REPH100 Initiative, with a pre-recorded video message from Climate Group CEO Ms. Helen Clarkson. The panel discussion was moderated by Ms. Ruth Yu-Owen, President & CEO of Upgrade Energy Philippines.
Session III: Energy Efficiency in Action: Doing More With Less
After a networking lunch, the forum delved into energy efficiency. This session, moderated by Mr. Michael Arcatomy Guarin of R.G. Manabat & Co., featured discussions on how businesses can reduce costs and carbon footprints through smart energy use. Speakers include Dir. Patrick Aquino from the Department of Energy, Ms. Theresa Acedillo-Lapuz from the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance, and Engr. Jherald Casipit from Aboitiz Upgrade Solar Inc. / AdventEnergy.
Session IV: The Energy Game-Changers: Leveraging Emerging Technologies and Innovative Systems
The final session of the day examined the technologies and systems that will future-proof Philippine energy. Mr. Redi Allan B. Remoroza from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines spoke on building a smarter grid. The panel, moderated by Atty. Jose Layug Jr., explored what needs to change now to achieve energy equity, security, and sustainability. This session culminated in a closing keynote from Senator Hon. Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian, who discussed legislative priorities for the energy sector.
The ENERGY SMART FORUM 2025 promised to be a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration, charting a clear path forward for the Philippines' energy revolution and positioning the country at the forefront of a sustainable future.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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