Empowering the energy sector

as well as what share of global energy needs can ultimately be met by electricity.

Although the Philippines is not an IEA member, it endorsed the joint statement of cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and IEA signed during the 2016 ASEAN Ministers of Energy Meeting in Myanmar.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi was the country’s signatory to the multilateral statement, with key areas of cooperation in energy policy development, energy security, emergency response coordination, regional market integration, and energy efficiency standards.

Last week, he was in Tokyo to enter into a technical cooperation agreement with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ( METI) to improve electric infrastructure and power generation efficiency in the Philippines. He inked a letter of intent with METI Deputy Director- General Kazuhisa Kobayashi at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office in central Tokyo during the 5th Regular Meeting of the Philippines-Japan High- Level Committee on Infrastructure and Economic Cooperation.

This technical cooperation deal includes the identification of issues and remedial measures based on Japanese experience and knowledge; provision of training for the Philippine government and independent power producers to enhance operations and maintenance quality of existing thermal power plants; and sharing of the rehabilitation diagnosis results carried out in line with the action plan presented by METI to the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DoE) in 2017.

While in Tokyo, Mr. Cusi encouraged Japanese energy companies to invest in the Duterte administration’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub terminal project in anticipation of the Malampaya gas field’s depletion by 2022.

“The strategic location of the Philippines, as well as the fair and competitive playing field policy for natgas would entice investors to engage in the LNG terminal project,” he said.

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. is among the major companies that are currently in serious talks with Filipino counterparts in the private sector regarding the LNG hub project. It is the largest natural gas utility in Japan covering the cities of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Yamanashi, and Nagano.

Here at home, the DoE will be hosting the 6th “E-Power Mo” Conference on Tuesday at its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City. During the conference, energy industry stakeholders will focus on developing an energy-resilient Philippines to ensure that homes, communities, and businesses are able to adapt to unforeseen situations and gain access to uninterrupted supply of energy services.

Breakout sessions will cover topics on downstream oil and natural gas; upstream oil and gas; renewable energy; power, alternative fuels and energy efficiency; and the consumer sector.

Mr. Cusi said: "We continue to rally for consumer empowerment in the energy industry by providing fresh insights on various issues. The government is working hard to establish the appropriate energy resiliency measures.”

With his leadership of the country’s energy sector, we are assured of a stable power outlook in the coming years and a peace of mind rooted in the knowledge that we have continuous access to critical resources during times of calamities.