Energy Leaders Urge Unity to Power PH’s Future

At the Philippine Infrastructure & Construction Club (PICC) Luncheon on June 20, industry leaders issued a collective call for unity to tackle the Philippines’ growing energy demands and infrastructure hurdles.

Held at Seda Hotel BGC in Taguig City, the forum gathered executives from across the energy spectrum under the theme “Philippine Sustainable and Resilient Energy Future.”

Moderated by WEnergy Power Pilipinas President Quintin Pastrana, the event featured Prime Energy CEO Donnabel Kuizon Cruz, Acciona Energia Southeast Asia Managing Director Ignacio Domecq, and EEI Power Corporation Vice President Robert Marlon T. Pereja.

“We believe it’s very important for industry players to actually be open and start thinking about collaboration rather than fierce competition,” Pereja said, emphasizing that cooperation—not rivalry—must be the foundation of progress.

He added, “It takes companies to build an industry. But it takes an industry working together to build the economy.”

The dialogue highlighted urgent needs: expanded local energy generation, faster permitting, and streamlined land acquisition—all crucial to meeting annual power demand growth of 800–1,500 megawatts.

Pastrana pointed to Acciona’s Cebu plant as a model, calling it a “template for the future” where companies share roles to serve regional energy needs.

Prime Energy’s PHP 52.8 billion (USD 893 million) Malampaya Phase 4 project was cited as pivotal in sustaining Luzon’s power supply for another 7–10 years.

“We want to thrive beyond Malampaya. We want to keep the lights on,” Cruz said, also stressing the gas field’s role in community development.

She shared how a Palawan village previously reliant on two-hour boat rides to charge devices now enjoys uninterrupted power via a Malampaya Foundation solar microgrid.

“Energy security creates a stable environment for infrastructure investments,” she said. “There is risk, for sure. But the reward will be immeasurably more.”

Cruz also called natural gas a “perfect complement” to renewable energy due to its reliability, affordability, and ability to stabilize the grid.

Acciona’s Domecq praised the Philippines’ 2022 regulatory reform allowing 100% foreign ownership in renewables, calling it a “game-changer” for investor confidence.

“Among all Southeast Asian countries we work in, the Philippines is where it’s easiest to reach government agencies—and see outcomes that reflect what investors say,” he said.

Domecq encouraged adoption of battery storage, floating solar, and circular economy practices to maximize efficiency and sustainability in an archipelagic nation.

EEI Power, transitioning from construction to energy, outlined a five-pronged strategy: power generation, distributed solar, retail electricity, electrical contracting, and energy services.

Pereja flagged hidden costs such as delays in securing land and permits. “We had a 6-month transmission line project that took 1.5 years because we had to deal with hundreds of private landowners,” he noted.

The luncheon concluded with a consensus: no single entity can secure the Philippines’ energy future alone.

Participants urged continued public-private collaboration to deliver power to homes, schools, and industries—ensuring long-term energy security and inclusive economic growth.