According to a news release from the embassy, this underscores Stockholm’s deepening commitment to sustainable growth, trade, and inclusive development in Southeast Asia.

Zurek, who joins the embassy from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), will oversee Sweden’s regional development portfolio covering the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Her appointment signals Sweden’s intent to expand its footprint in the Philippines, where ties have steadily widened in recent years across sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy, digitalization, and healthcare.

In her first week, Zurek met with key Philippine and international partners, including representatives from government agencies, multilateral institutions, and the private sector. Discussions ranged from green infrastructure and clean energy to climate resilience and sustainable development, setting the tone for closer collaboration.

“What struck me most was the openness and energy of our Philippine counterparts. There is a strong willingness to work together and turn ambitious sustainability goals into practical solutions that benefit people,” said Karolina Zurek, First Secretary/Trade and Development, Embassy of Sweden in Manila.

“My immediate priority is to strengthen links between development cooperation and trade so that our partnerships create long-term value, green jobs, and inclusive growth,” she added.

Sweden’s ambassador to the Philippines, Anna Ferry, said Zurek’s arrival reflects the importance Stockholm places on its relationship with Manila.

“We’re thrilled to have Karolina on board. In the Swedish foreign service, we are used to working in small teams and achieving big impact through close and effective collaboration,” the ambassador said.

“Adding Karolina makes a big difference, and it shows how much Sweden values its cooperation with the Philippines. With our growing presence in Manila, we are fully committed and ready to deliver,” she added.

The Philippines and Sweden have maintained diplomatic relations since 1947, with cooperation steadily expanding beyond traditional trade to include development partnerships, education, and cultural exchanges.

While bilateral trade remains modest, it is steadily growing. In 2023, Swedish exports to the Philippines reached about $200 million, led by wood products, paper, and pharmaceuticals, while Philippine exports to Sweden totaled around $114 million, including electronics and tobacco products. Philippine exports have also posted faster growth in recent years.

Beyond trade, investment ties are gaining traction. Swedish firms have been increasingly active in Philippine sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and healthcare, contributing to job creation and technology transfer. Both countries have also signaled interest in expanding cooperation through export financing and development programs supporting large-scale projects.

Labor mobility is another emerging pillar, with Filipino healthcare workers playing a role in Sweden’s care sector, although formal bilateral arrangements are still under discussion.

Despite geographic distance, both sides also see untapped potential in tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

In a statement on Earth Day (April 22), ATM said that the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) must be prioritized. It called for the repeal of the 1995 Mining Act, arguing that existing policies have failed to protect communities and the environment.

The group also directly called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to act in favor of communities opposing mining operations, particularly those who have mounted barricades in Dupax del Norte in Nueva Vizcaya, Manicani and Homonhon islands in Eastern Samar, MacArthur in Leyte, and Sibuyan Island in Romblon.

“These communities are calling for a halt to mining operations and the cancellation of mining contracts in their respective areas. Earth Day is a timely reminder to the DENR to act on the residents’ demands and to make erring mining companies accountable for their violations and breaches,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator.

ATM maintained that without decisive government action, conflicts between mining firms and host communities will continue to escalate, especially in ecologically sensitive and disaster-prone areas.

Garganera warned that mining activities are compounding the country’s climate vulnerabilities.

“Measures to address the climate crisis and ensure the survival of the planet should include reforms in the government’s policies on large-scale mining. Mining in many communities today is causing environmental degradation, worsening the impacts of climate change, and endangering the lives and livelihoods of the people,” he said.

He stressed that a new law must ensure that the country’s mineral wealth benefits Filipinos, particularly as demand rises with the global shift to renewable energy.

“It is unjust that other countries benefit from our minerals while our communities suffer from the destruction caused by mining,” he added.

ATM said the proposed AMMB would designate “no-go zones” for mining, covering critical watersheds, biodiversity areas, disaster-prone zones, agricultural lands, and forests. It also seeks to strengthen indigenous peoples’ rights and ensure local communities have a decisive voice in mining projects.

“A just energy transition entails replacing the Mining Act with the AMMB. This is a concrete climate action that the government must urgently undertake towards nation-building and the wise and discriminating use of our minerals and natural resources,” Garganera said.

At the “Science2Business: Energy Resilience for Enhanced Security” conference held April 21 at the Manila Polo Club, officials from both countries highlighted the urgency of translating research into real-world solutions, especially as geopolitical tensions and climate risks reshape global energy landscapes.

Organized by the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the Embassy of Slovenia in the Philippines — Ljubljana’s first in Southeast Asia — the forum underscored a shared push for a science-to-business (S2B) approach to energy development.

Stratbase COO Rupert Paul Manhit pointed to Slovenia as a model for aligning government, industry, and civil society through research-driven innovation, an approach he said the Philippines can emulate as it positions itself as a hub for green metals and renewable energy.

“We are entering this period with important advantages. We have in place the right policy direction, with stronger support for renewable energy, infrastructure development, and digital transformation,” he said.

Manhit stressed that partnerships will be key to unlocking these opportunities: “We believe that progress is best achieved through cooperation with like-minded countries — those that share our commitment to mutual growth, ethical innovation, and rules-based cooperation… Slovenia is one such partner.”

Slovenian Ambassador Smiljana Knez affirmed her country’s readiness to work closely with the Philippines through technology sharing, academic collaboration, and public-private partnerships. She also pushed for stronger energy efficiency measures, describing them as essential to lowering costs and addressing climate risks.

Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga called for a “quadruple-helix” model of innovation — bringing together government, academia, industry, and communities — to address converging global threats.

“This threat convergence requires countries such as the Philippines to continuously re-examine development and security priorities in order to ensure that we attain stability and resilience through food, energy, and water security,” she said in her keynote address.

From Slovenia, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr. Igor Papič underscored the country’s heavy investments in research, noting that energy resilience “in the face of geopolitical disruption is a crucial aspect of our security and sustainable development.”

“The transfer of this knowledge into practice, especially into the economy, is essential for the development and prosperity of our country. This government is fully aware of that. That is why we have made significant investment in both knowledge and its application,” he added.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum echoed the need to strengthen collaboration, stressing that diversifying the country’s energy sources is now “more urgent than ever” to safeguard national security.

While the Philippines may not be directly hit by the current global energy crisis, Solidum noted its ripple effects on transport and other sectors. Since 2011, the Department of Science and Technology has backed 71 projects worth ₱652 million to advance solar, wind, ocean, and waste-to-energy technologies.

“Reinforcing our resilience to climate and disaster threats is no longer optional. It is a necessity,” Solidum said. “We anticipate collaboration and solutions for both countries to prosper.”

Held on April 15, 2026, the initiative provided students with valuable exposure to the evolving energy landscape, highlighting innovations in grid modernization, digital transformation, and sustainable power solutions. Through interactive discussions led by Meralco executives and industry experts, students gained insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping the Philippine energy sector.

Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and MPA President Ronnie L. Aperocho, an MSU alumnus, emphasized the importance of innovation and resilience in strengthening the country’s power infrastructure.

“While our operations are primarily in Luzon, the challenges we face are the same challenges the country’s grid is confronting – including here in Mindanao. Over the past few years, Meralco has been deliberately revolutionizing distribution utility operations—deploying advanced distribution automation up to the grid-edge, big data analytics, and other cutting-edge, resilient, and cyber-secure systems and platforms,” Aperocho said.

The program also underscored the role of customer-centered innovation in delivering public value. Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of DU Subsidiaries and Strategic Partnerships Ferdinand O. Geluz shared how the company’s digital transformation initiatives are enhancing customer experience through accessible and efficient services.

Beyond knowledge-sharing, the initiative strengthened industry-academe collaboration between Meralco and MSU-GenSan, building on their 2025 partnership focused on knowledge exchange and practical learning opportunities for aspiring engineers and energy professionals.

To further support experiential learning, Meralco, through MPA, donated specialized power equipment to MSU-GenSan, reinforcing its advocacy of equipping students with hands-on learning resources that will help prepare them for the future of the energy industry.

The agreement, which marks a major step in the coffee chain’s shift toward cost-efficient and sustainable energy use, places the selected Starbucks branches under the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP).

RAP allows for multiple facilities to combine their power demand and access more competitive electricity rates under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework.

MPower, the retail electricity supplier of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), will provide the energy supply for the consolidated load, enabling operational efficiencies across the participating stores in Metro Manila.

The enrollment, which began in November 2025, is expected to support Starbucks Philippines’ efforts to optimize costs while advancing its sustainability agenda.

“In today’s evolving business environment, it is important for companies like ours to continue exploring ways to operate more efficiently. Since transitioning, we have begun to see initial savings in our electricity costs,” RCOC President Noey Lopez said during the ceremonial signing of the agreement with MPower.

The initiative complements existing in-store sustainability measures such as water-saving fixtures, 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient air-conditioning systems, and improved waste management practices.

Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of MPower Redel Domingo said the move highlights how businesses can benefit from participating in the competitive retail electricity market.

“By pioneering RAP within the food and beverage sector, it demonstrates how businesses with multiple facilities can access the benefits of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework,” Domingo said.

MPower said it will continue to promote customer choice by offering cost-competitive electricity and flexible energy solutions, particularly for companies seeking to improve efficiency across multiple locations.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government has already been discussing strategies, especially after the war in the Middle East started.

“Matagal na po itong pinag-uusapan, lalo na po noong nangyari itong sigalot sa Middle East. At sinasabi nga rin po ni (Department of Energy) Secretary Sharon Garin na dapat nating palawakin, palakasin ang renewable energy – isa po ito sa talagang tinutukan po ng gobyerno,” Castro said when asked about alternatives the administration is working on as a long-term plan.

On the other hand, Castro said the government has not yet discussed using nuclear energy as an alternative power source.

“Wala pa pong napag-uusapan patungkol po doon,” Castro said.

On March 24, President Marcos signed Executive Order 110 declaring a state of national energy emergency in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting concerns about the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply.

Under Executive Order 110, President Marcos cited ongoing tensions in the Middle East as a key factor threatening global oil production and transportation, potentially affecting the Philippines, a net importer of petroleum products.

This is where mindfulness comes in as a quiet, deliberate way of moving through uncertain times.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) is leaning into this shift, embracing what it calls “mindful hospitality,” an approach that goes beyond comfort and convenience to focus on purpose, intention, and care.

At its core, the idea is simple: Every action, no matter how small, matters.

For MHR, mindfulness is not confined to a single program. It flows through every part of the guest experience — from streamlined service operations and thoughtfully designed menus, to intentional communication and responsible investments.

Even behind the scenes, teams are encouraged to make decisions guided by awareness and care.

“Mindful travel is a cause Megaworld Hotels & Resorts wants to rally for in the industry. It is not a campaign; we want to start a movement whereby everyone is conscious of what we do when we travel,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.

It’s a philosophy that feels especially relevant today, when so much feels beyond control. Mindfulness, in this sense, offers something grounding: the ability to focus on what can still be shaped — our choices, our habits, our impact.

“Mindful travel can be as simple as reusing your linens and towels during your stay or turning off the lights and aircon when you step out the room knowing that these small yet deliberate actions can make a huge difference,” she said.

These small choices, repeated over time, become a form of quiet resistance against waste and excess. They also offer travelers a sense of participation, of being part of something larger than themselves.

The idea extends beyond the room. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable bottles, opt for plant-based meals, and support local communities. These are not grand gestures, but they carry weight precisely because they are doable.

Recently, this mindset took center stage at the MeGreen Mindful Travel Forum, where over 200 leaders from MHR’s properties gathered to align on a shared vision. The message was clear: Meaningful change does not always come from sweeping actions, but from consistent, intentional ones.

That philosophy resonates deeply in today’s climate. As headlines grow heavier and uncertainties linger, there is a quiet power in choosing to act with purpose — even in the smallest ways.

The forum’s keynote speaker, Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, known for pioneering Earth Hour in the Philippines, reinforced this urgency, reminding participants that mindfulness must translate into real environmental responsibility.

In practice, this has led to initiatives such as energy-efficient food preparation, sustainability-driven room packages, and partnerships with communities — from the Ati Komunidad in Boracay to coral reef restoration efforts in Cebu.

Through its “Mindful Stays” offering, guests are invited to rest while also contributing to these initiatives. A portion of each booking supports programs focused on heritage preservation, education, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihoods.

It is, in many ways, a redefinition of travel — not as consumption, but as connection.

And perhaps that is what mindfulness ultimately offers in uncertain times: not an escape from reality, but a way of engaging with it more consciously.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Board of Investments (BOI), reported that 244 projects have been granted Green Lane certification as of March 2026, covering priority sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, water, digital connectivity, and food security.

Bulk of the investments remain in early stages, with 171 projects worth ₱5.79 trillion still in pre-development—highlighting both the scale and complexity of big-ticket ventures requiring multi-agency approvals.

However, implementation is gaining ground. Forty-six projects valued at ₱359.64 billion are now under construction, while eight projects worth ₱6.99 billion are in pre-operation. Another 19 projects totaling ₱266.85 billion are already operational, particularly in energy and digital infrastructure.

Trade Secretary and BOI Chair Cristina Roque said accelerating these projects is critical, especially as the country faces energy supply pressures.

“Fast-tracking renewable energy and related infrastructure is key to stabilizing costs and sustaining economic activity. Streamlined permitting and stronger inter-agency coordination remain a priority,” Roque said.

Institutionalized under Executive Order No. 18, the Green Lane Initiative aims to cut red tape by expediting permits and clearances for strategic investments through closer coordination among government agencies and local government units.

Early gains are evident. The 100-megawatt Pasuquin Solar Power Project of Nanchao Renewable Energy Corp. secured a key regulatory approval in just four months—significantly faster than the typical nine-month process.

With more projects moving forward, the DTI expects the initiative to translate investments into jobs, improved infrastructure, and more reliable energy supply—key pillars for sustained economic growth.

Frequent floods and typhoons continue to disrupt power grids, fuel supply chains, and logistics networks, creating ripple effects that push up costs, strain fiscal budgets, and disrupt business operations. At the same time, Southeast Asia’s rapid adoption of AI and expansion of data centers is driving electricity demand higher, projected to double by 2050. If power generation cannot scale quickly, governments may be forced to rely more heavily on fossil fuels, which could compromise climate goals and energy sustainability.

The report urges both public and private sectors to take decisive action. Key measures include investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, expanding electricity generation, strengthening transmission networks, and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy. Financial tools, such as insurance and capital-market instruments, can help manage the fiscal impact of climate shocks while supporting private sector investment in sustainable energy solutions.

For ASEAN businesses, the message is clear: proactively adapting to energy challenges is essential not only for operational stability but also for long-term competitiveness. Companies that invest in resilient, sustainable energy systems will be better positioned to weather disruptions, reduce costs, and thrive in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

This marks an early follow-through to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s March 24 statement in a Bloomberg interview to reset bilateral relations.

During back-to-back meetings — the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) and the 11th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea held on March 27–28 in Quanzhou, both sides underscored the urgency of ensuring stable access to critical resources amid global uncertainty.

The consultations, led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim for the Philippines and Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong for China, also set the stage for sustained diplomatic engagement, with both sides confirming a meeting between their foreign ministers within the year.

The Philippines also welcomed China’s hosting of a marine science and technology symposium in Qingdao in September 2026, focusing on ocean meteorology. Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) are expected to participate.

With geopolitical tensions disrupting supply chains, the two countries discussed the need to safeguard energy and fertilizer access, alongside potential cooperation in renewable energy, trade, and agriculture. The reconvening of bilateral mechanisms was identified as key to advancing these efforts.

At the same time, maritime security remained a central issue.

The Philippine delegation raised concerns over incidents in the South China Sea affecting the safety of Filipino personnel and fishermen, including actions that have disrupted lawful activities and posed risks at sea.

Manila reiterated its commitment to diplomacy while firmly asserting its positions under international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

The Philippines emphasized the importance of sustained communication and practical cooperation to manage differences, including ongoing efforts to enhance coast guard-to-coast guard communication, ocean meteorology collaboration, and initial discussions on possible oil and gas cooperation.

Beyond security and economic concerns, both sides also explored ways to revive people-to-people exchanges, including visa-free arrangements, expanded connectivity, and new direct air routes to boost tourism and bilateral engagement.

As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ASEAN centrality and promoting a rules-based regional order amid evolving geopolitical tensions.

The Quanzhou meetings build on earlier rounds of dialogue held in Cebu and Beijing this year, signaling a step-by-step process of re-engagement between the two countries.

The FMC was last held in Manila in March 2023, while the previous BCM meeting took place in Xiamen in January 2025.

Both engagements align with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with China in line with Philippine national interest, while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.