The Department of Energy (DOE) welcomes the commitment of Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila, Inc. (AG&P) to support the Philippines’ growing offshore wind sector, reinforcing the country’s transition toward a low-carbon, energy-secure future.

In a letter of commitment dated 23 May 2025, AG&P expressed its readiness to provide critical support services for the country’s offshore wind development. These include port infrastructure, logistics, fabrication, and workforce development, key enablers in scaling up the deployment of offshore wind in the country.

Following this commitment, DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, who oversees port development for offshore wind, visited AG&P’s facility in Bauan, Batangas on 02 June 2025 aimed at assessing AG&P’s operational readiness and technical capabilities in supporting large-scale offshore wind projects.

During the visit, AG&P reiterated its long-term commitment to supporting the Philippines’ offshore wind roadmap and contributing to the country’s broader goals of energy security, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.

Undersecretary Bacordo was appraised of the company’scomprehensive capabilities in supporting offshore wind projects. AG&P presented its end-to-end services, which include the provision of port infrastructure for the pre-assembly, staging, and integration of offshore wind components; the fabrication of foundations and floating platforms; and the allocation of operational space and specialized facilities to accommodate large-scale equipment and vessels. AG&P also outlined its capacity to deliver operations and maintenance (O&M) services, including berth and logistics support. In addition, the company highlighted its commitment to workforce development through programs designed to train and upskill local labor for the emerging offshore wind industry.

“We commend AG&P for its proactive engagement and strong commitment to supporting offshore winddevelopment in the country,” said Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo. “The private sector plays a vital role in building the infrastructure backbone necessary for this kind of project, and AG&P’s demonstrated capabilities are instrumental in accelerating the realization of the Philippines’ renewable energy targets.”

This partnership forms part of the DOE’s wider efforts to foster an enabling environment for offshore winddevelopment, including infrastructure planning, regulatory streamlining, and the promotion of strategic collaborations between the public and private sectors.

This endeavor also complements the DOE’s ongoing collaboration with the Philippine Ports Authority and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on the development of offshore wind ports across the country. Through these efforts, the DOE continues to work closely with both public and private stakeholders to position the Philippines as a key player in offshore wind energy in Southeast Asia. ###

Energy efficiency in the Philippines has evolved from a regulatory requirement into a national movement, driven by data, empowered by innovation, and sustained through collaboration. This transformation represents a significant step forward in the country’s pursuit of a low-carbon, energy-secure future, one where every watt saved contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

At the heart of this shift lies green financing, an essential driver that transforms goals into tangible action. By harnessing innovative financial tools such as green bonds, energy service contracts, and performance-based incentives, industries, communities, and local governments are empowered to translate policy objectives into real-world implementation.

This agenda took center stage at yesterday’s opening of the inaugural Philippine Conference on Energy Efficiency and Conservation (PCEEC) 2025, held at the Makati Diamond Residences. With the theme “Advancing EEC through Green Financing and Artificial Intelligence,” the event highlights the dual roles of sustainable finance and emerging technologies in accelerating energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) across sectors.

“The evolution of energy efficiency from compliance to a culture of conscious consumption reflects our national commitment to sustainability,” said Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella in his keynote address. “It’s not about using less energy but being wiser and smarter about it. To achieve this, we are unlocking and simplifying complicated financing mechanisms to drive innovation and enable inclusive participation.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) was also showcased as a game-changing tool for enhancing energy performance. From predictive maintenance and real-time energy monitoring to intelligent building automation, AI is enabling organizations to optimize consumption, reduce costs, and minimize their carbon footprints.

Meanwhile, green finance is no longer confined to physical infrastructure upgrades. It can also fuel research and development, enable digitalization, supports capacity-building, and foster the adoption of smart systems, all of which are essential to making energy efficiency efforts scalable, impactful, and self-sustaining.

The DOE continues to strengthen enabling policy and regulatory frameworks to de-risk investments, attract a broader range of stakeholders, and mainstream energy efficiency as a strategic pillar of the country’s energy transition and climate action goals under the Philippine Energy Plan.

Through PCEEC 2025, the DOE seeks to build strong public-private partnerships, engage financing institutions, and mobilize collective action. The Department calls on all sectors, public and private, to view energy efficiency not only as a responsibility but as an opportunity for national transformation.

By unlocking the power of green financing and artificial intelligence, the Philippines is proving that sustainability is not just a destination, it is a journey we must take together, powered by every decision to use energy more wisely. ###

The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to announce by the end of June 2025, the schedule of the 3^rd Round of the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) for the selection of Microgrid System Providers (MGSPs) for the initially identified 71 lots covering 167 unserved and underserved areas.

Building on the lessons from the two previous MGSP-CSP, policy and regulatory aspects governing microgrid service operations were enhanced to create a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly environment for interested private investors.  

Foremost, the DOE has promulgated Department Circular No. DC2025-04-0007or the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11646 or the Microgrid Systems Act. This revised IRR, which took effect on 13 May 2025, streamlined the CSP procedures, clarified the provisions of the microgrid service contract and the corresponding responsibilities of stakeholders and enhanced incentives for the provision of microgrid service.

Under the revised IRR, the award of a microgrid service area to a provider will automatically qualify the project as an Energy Project of National Significance (EPNS), enabling concerned entities to fast-track the issuance of necessary permits and licenses. In addition, the Notice of Award will include a Renewable Energy Service Contract (RESC) for the renewable energy components of the microgrid system, subject to the completion of remaining requirements, particularly the submission of proof of possessory rights over the service area.

The DOE is also closely coordinating with distribution utilities (DUs) and relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Tourism (DOT), and local government units (LGUs), to gather data on the areas to be offered under this CSP, particularly in terms of energy demand and potential.

“This 3^rd Round of MGSP-CSP marks a pivotal step in our push for total electrification,” said Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. “By streamlining regulatory procedures, introducing policy innovations, and strengthening coordination across government and the private sector, we are sending a clear signal: the Philippines is ready and open for sustainable microgrid investments. Through these efforts, we aim to empower our most remote communities with clean, reliable, and affordable energy, because energy access is not just a policy objective --- it is a fundamental right.”

The DOE also introduced more flexible contractual terms and exemptions from certain financial obligations under Energy Regulations No. 1-94, which pertain to benefits to host communities, as well as selected obligations under the RESC. These provisions will clearly be articulated in the Notice of Award and formalized in the Microgrid System Provider Service Contract with the National Power Corporation, offering proponents greater security and reduced financial risk.

Through these initiatives, the DOE is determined to create a more enabling environment for microgrid investments, thereby accelerating energy access in the country’s unserved and underserved areas. ###

The Department of Energy (DOE) extends its appreciation to national agencies, local governments and private oil companies, for their strong cooperation and swift response in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of petroleum products, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to the Island of Samar. The agencies include the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC).

In light of the recently imposed 3-metric ton weight limit on vehicles crossing the San Juanico Bridge, the DOE promptly coordinated with both government and industry stakeholders to implement alternative solutions that address logistical challenges in fuel deliveries to the Island.

As all petroleum deliveries to Samar have traditionally relied on land transport, the new weight restriction effectively bars standard fuel tankers, which typically weigh between 19 to 20 metric tons for a 10,000-liter load, from crossing the bridge. This development has highlighted the urgent need for decisive and innovative logistical measures.

The DOE welcomes the NDRRMC's recent approval to prioritize oil tankers in the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessel loading queues. Additionally, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon has assured the DOE that the RORO port in Basey, Samar will be made ready to accommodate fuel shipments, further supporting this critical logistical shift.

To operationalize this priority loading, the DOE, in close coordination with the Petroleum Institute of the Philippines (PIP), will provide the OCD Region VIII with a list of fuel tanker trucks targeted to be transported on Thursday, 29 May 2025, from the Port of Ormoc to the Ports of Maginoo and Calbayog in Samar. This initiative aims to ensure timely and sustained delivery of fuel to key cities and municipalities across the island.

The DOE also acknowledges the valuable support of Insular Oil Corporation, which operates a fuel storage depot in San Isidro, Northern Samar. The Company has agreed to accommodate petroleum deliveries from both major oil companies and independent players, providing an additional layer of supply resilience for the region.

“The DOE remains committed to safeguarding the energy security of Samar and its people. By working hand-in-hand with government agencies and oil industry partners, we are confident in our shared ability to rise above these challenges with unity, urgency, and purpose,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said.

Current estimates show that most gasoline stations in Samar maintain a maximum storage capacity of up to two weeks, necessitating regular replenishment every 7 to 14 days. Continuous fuel supply is essential to sustain transportation, economic activities, and most critically, emergency and disaster response operations.

As part of the DOE’s broader energy resilience framework, the Department will continue convening meetings with concerned government agencies, downstream oil industry stakeholders, and private sector partners to optimize fuel logistics, enhancing port infrastructure, and establishing coordinated delivery schedules to maintain stable and secure fuel supply chains. ###

In order to allow the President to have a free hand in reorganizing his Cabinet for the remainder of his term, and to express my full support for his Presidency, I have respectfully submitted my resignation as Secretary of Energy effective upon the President’s acceptance.  

As previously directed by the President, the Department has been reviewing the Administration’s accomplishments in the energy sector thus far and at the same time reviewing the challenges that still need to be addressed.  The mid-term is an excellent opportunity for taking stock and re-energizing the government’s efforts to serve our people better.

We at the Department and its attached agencies are one with the President in working together to realize a future for all Filipinos where energy is accessible and affordable, reliable and resilient, and clean and environmentally sustainable. 

With those clear objectives in mind, the Department wishes to assure the public of its uninterrupted services. As directed by the Office of the President, all officials and staff and attached agencies will continue to perform their functions and carry out their duties without let-up. ###