Govt, private sector, and diplomats collaborate on energy transition projects at Pilipinas Conference 2024

The Philippines’ path toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future took center stage at the recent Pilipinas Conference 2024, organized by the Stratbase Group. High-ranking government officials, industry leaders, and international diplomats emphasized strategic collaboration to advance the country’s energy transition efforts.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, and Trade Undersecretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque joined the discussions, alongside Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who participated virtually. They highlighted the pivotal role of government policies in fostering investments in clean energy and green industries.

Energy Secretary Lotilla noted that part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s energy diplomacy is to ensure the Philippines work with our partners in the international community to pursue different pathways for producing sustainable aviation fuel in the country, as well as other biofuels.

“Ambassador Melbin was just here discussing some potential sources, including the use of banana waste from plantations, as these banana stocks that are wasted can be potential sources of sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels,” Lotilla said.

“I hope that you and the private sector will continue to explore opportunities for investing in these different sources of energy toward a cleaner and sustainable future that will also be fairly priced for our people,” he added.

Environment Secretary Loyzaga said her department is proactively working with various sectors following the acceleration of demand for transition critical minerals amidst the impact of climate change in the country.

“We are set to release areas with high mineral potential for exploration through competitive bidding by early 2025. These initiatives are only the beginning as we address legacy issues related to this sector,” Loyzaga said.

“We hope to generate more jobs, green jobs and push this sector’s contribution to GDP upwards from the 0.5% it currently is contributing, while advancing as well our climate and disaster resilience goals,” she added.

International diplomats, including Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray, Israeli Ambassador Ian Fluss, and New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, joined the discussions, emphasizing global collaboration in the Philippines’ green energy transition.

Leaders from major corporations, such as Ayala Corporation, ACCIONA Infrastructure, and Prime Infra, also participated. Guillaume Lucci, President and CEO of Prime Infra, and Cosette Canilao, President and CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital, discussed the private sector’s role in deploying capital and innovation to advance clean energy initiatives.

Stratbase Group President Dindo Manhit emphasized that the Pilipinas Conference serves as a platform to align government, business, and international stakeholders in shaping policies for sustainable development.

“The private sector is not just a stakeholder but a powerhouse of ideas and resources critical to building a resilient and competitive economy,” Manhit said. “Together, we can address immediate challenges while ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all.”