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.”

In a statement issued April 13, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations warned that disruptions in one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints could ripple across global markets and destabilize economies, particularly in Asia.

“We call for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz… as well as for all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships,” the ministers said.

The 11-nation grouping also pushed for strict compliance with the ceasefire agreed on April 8 between the United States and Iran, stressing the need to prevent further escalation.

“We call for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire… minimizing disruption to the flow of energy and essential goods, and mitigating its adverse impact on global economic stability,” the statement read.

ASEAN urged all parties to return to negotiations despite the breakdown in talks as of Sunday, warning that continued hostilities threaten both regional and global stability.

“We urge the United States… and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue negotiations that will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace and stability in the region,” it said.

The bloc also called on all sides to “exercise utmost restraint, cease all hostilities, [and] avoid any acts that may aggravate the situation.”

ASEAN is a regional bloc working together on economic, political, and security issues. With a combined population of over 670 million and a roughly $3.6 trillion economy, it is among the world’s largest economic groupings.

The region is highly sensitive to disruptions in global energy supply chains. The Strait of Hormuz—located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman—is a critical chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG passes.

A large share of that energy is bound for Asia. Estimates suggest nearly 90% of oil shipments through Hormuz head to Asian markets, with Southeast Asian economies heavily reliant on Middle Eastern crude and gas imports.

Any disruption to this route can quickly translate into higher fuel costs, rising food prices, and broader inflation pressures, particularly for energy-importing countries.

The ASEAN statement comes amid a rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East following a two-week ceasefire agreement announced on April 8 involving the United States and Iran, with mediation by Pakistan and indirect involvement of Israel.

While the deal included commitments to pause major attacks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe energy shipments, the truce has proven fragile.

News reports indicate that violations have already occurred on multiple fronts; fighting continues in areas such as Lebanon, where the ceasefire terms remain unclear; and peace negotiations have stalled as of Sunday, raising the risk of renewed escalation.

Analysts describe the situation as a “dangerous pause,” a temporary de-escalation rather than a durable peace.

Against this backdrop, ASEAN underscored the need for diplomacy and adherence to international law.

“We underscore the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity… and promoting earnest dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of addressing conflicts,” the ministers said.

The bloc also reiterated that all states must “resolve their differences through peaceful means,” protect civilians, and respect sovereignty — principles it warned are critical to preventing a wider global crisis.

This underscores the company’s strong confidence in the Philippine economy, as reaffirmed by MMC President and CEO Takao Kato during a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Frederick Go at the Malacañan Palace Monday.

This strategic move accelerates the localization of advanced hybrid vehicle production, supporting the country’s goals for cleaner transport and higher-value manufacturing.

“This is a landmark investment that will redefine the future of our automotive industry. And the even more exciting possibility is that we could be an exporter of hybrid cars,” said Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go in a news release.

MMC is also looking at the possibility of exporting products from its Laguna plant.

By producing HEVs locally, the Philippines can reduce oil import dependence and cut urban emissions —while aligning with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and positioning the country for a seamless transition toward full electrification as battery costs decline and renewable energy capacity grows.

This kind of investment becomes more valuable during times of uncertainty, as it will create more job opportunities for Filipinos, while propelling the nation into a more sustainable and technological future.

The Board of Investments is currently finalizing the Electric Vehicle Incentives Strategy (EVIS) program for endorsement to the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) and approval of the President. The initiative aims to accelerate investments and reinforce the Philippines’ position as an emerging hub for electric vehicle manufacturing and investment in the region.

According to a DOE news releaase, the move supports the government’s response under Executive Order No. 110 to secure stable and reliable electricity supply, while cushioning the impact of rising fuel costs on households and businesses.

“At a time when the country must act with urgency and discipline to protect the integrity of the power system, the timely delivery of committed capacity is imperative,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin.

“Every megawatt that can be safely and lawfully brought into the grid strengthens our ability to meet demand, manage supply risks, and protect consumers. The Department is fully engaged across the entire power value chain, from generation to transmission to market operations to help ensure that these projects move forward at the soonest possible time,” the DOE secretary said.

According to the DOE, all 22 projects are in advanced construction or final testing stages. Once online, they are expected to boost supply margins, meet rising demand, and reinforce grid reliability in the near term.

The pipeline is heavily anchored on renewable energy. Twelve solar projects will contribute about 1,284 MW, alongside six hydro plants (48.23 MW), two biomass facilities (38 MW), one wind project (13.56 MW), and a 20 MW Integrated Renewable Energy Storage System (IRESS).

These projects form part of the 200 power plants President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered fast-tracked over the next three years in his fourth State of the Nation Address, underscoring a broader push toward a more diversified and resilient energy mix.

Progress is already underway. Of the 200 projects under DOE monitoring, 24 plants with a combined capacity of 1,178.642 MW are now in commercial operation. Three solar plants alone went online this month.

In parallel, seven Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities with a total capacity of 190 MW are also operational, providing added flexibility to manage supply and demand.

To keep projects on track, the DOE is working closely with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) to resolve transmission, interconnection, inspection, and registration requirements and avoid delays in commercial rollout.

The DOE said it will continue close monitoring and coordination with industry stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of new capacity in line with technical, safety, and regulatory standards.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the country now has sufficient crude oil supply in the near term, even as efforts continue to source more fuel amid ongoing volatility in global markets.

“We already have a supply of crude oil, a sufficient supply of crude oil until June 30. But we are still looking for supply, we are still supporting our commuters,” Marcos said in a media statement.

The assurance comes as the administration implements Executive Order No. 110, which declared a state of national emergency for energy. The order activates a whole-of-government response to ensure stable supply, uninterrupted services, and protection for vulnerable sectors as tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten global oil flows.

Despite current buffers of around 45 days, the President stressed the need for sustained sourcing efforts.

“And my instruction to them is: do not stop. Continue looking for additional supply because we do not know how long this situation will last,” he said.

“And when we say we have — now we are talking about around 45 days on average, more or less. But we do not know how long this will last, or how long the supply is going to be diminished from the Middle East through the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

To hedge against disruptions, the Philippines is exploring alternative suppliers, including Russia, Japan, China, and South Korea.

At the same time, the government is banking on a breakthrough in domestic energy production to reduce long-term dependence on imports.

The day before (March 26), Marcos revealed the successful drilling and testing of the Camago-3 well under the Malampaya Phase 4 project — marking a significant step in strengthening indigenous energy capacity.

“My fellow Filipinos, today I am proud to announce another step forward in our mission to secure affordable, reliable energy for every Filipino,” the President said.

“The Camago-3 well has been successfully drilled and tested, producing up to 60 million standard cubic feet of gas per day,” he added.

The development is part of the $893-million Malampaya expansion, which is expected to yield significantly more recoverable gas and extend the life of the gas field by up to six years, translating into more stable and potentially cheaper electricity for consumers.

“Every unit of power we generate from Malampaya instead of imported fuel is money saved by households, by small businesses, by every Filipino that pays an electric bill,” Marcos said.

“Alam natin lahat kung gaano kahalaga ito ngayon. Ang kaguluhan sa Middle East ay nagdudulot ng matinding pabago-bago sa presyo ng gasolina sa buong mundo,” he added.

The project also signals renewed investment in energy infrastructure, with new subsea pipelines being laid for the first time in over two decades. First gas delivery from the Malampaya Phase 4 wells is targeted by the fourth quarter of 2026, alongside continued exploration of additional sites such as Bagong Pag-asa.

Together, the twin developments — expanded import sourcing and strengthened domestic production — form the backbone of the government’s strategy to navigate immediate risks while building longer-term energy resilience as the war in the Middle East escalates.

Under Department Circular No. DC2026-03-0010, the DOE authorized the limited use of Euro II petroleum products — a less stringent fuel standard compared to the country’s current Euro IV requirement — as a contingency measure to help maintain fuel availability.

In simple terms, Euro II fuel is an older, “dirtier” type of fuel with higher sulfur content, which can lead to more pollution. By contrast, Euro IV fuel — the current standard in the Philippines — is significantly cleaner and designed for modern engines with stricter emission controls.

The DOE clarified that the policy does not replace the existing Euro IV standard, but serves as a temporary fallback to ensure there is enough fuel supply, especially for sectors that can still safely use the older type.

“We are adopting a prudent and temporary measure to help ensure an adequate and accessible fuel supply for sectors that may require limited flexibility during this period,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin.

“This interim authority is subject to strict quality controls, clear notification requirements, and appropriate consumer protection measures. Our objective is to uphold fuel supply security while remaining guided by safety, regulatory discipline, and the broader public interest,” she added.

The use of Euro II fuel will be limited to older vehicles (2015 models and earlier), traditional jeepneys, power generators, industrial users, and marine transport, where compatibility is less of an issue.

The move comes as global oil markets remain under strain, raising concerns about supply disruptions and price spikes. By allowing a temporary mix of fuel standards, the government aims to give suppliers more flexibility in sourcing fuel.

To prevent abuse, oil companies are required to keep Euro II and Euro IV fuels separate in storage and distribution, and must notify the DOE where the lower-grade fuel will be sold.

Pumps offering Euro II fuel must also clearly inform consumers, who are advised to check if their vehicles can safely use it.

The DOE warned that violations, including fuel adulteration or failure to meet quality standards, will face penalties under existing laws.

The policy was crafted after consultations with the oil and automotive industries, with the DOE emphasizing that it will remain in place only as long as necessary.

Ultimately, the agency said the goal is straightforward: ensure Filipinos have access to fuel even during global disruptions, while keeping safeguards in place to protect consumers and the environment.

In a press briefing following the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Taguig City, DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty said the AEM agreed to hasten the completion of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), which allows ASEAN Member States to provide petroleum supplies to neighbors facing shortages of at least 10 percent of their national domestic requirement.

“Well, in the statement, the economic ministers agreed and called for the advancement of the finalization of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, together, of course, with the achievement of our deliverables on ASEAN Power Grid,” Gepty said, referring to the joint statement issued by the AEM during the Retreat.

“So, basically the current situation will now call ASEAN Member States to fast-track that agreement,” Gepty said, noting that the regional bloc may act on it “at the soonest possible time.”

The original APSA was first signed in Manila in 1986, establishing a framework for Member States to share petroleum supplies.

In 2009, a modernized version was signed in Cha-am, Thailand that introduces the “10% critical shortage” rule and a focus on voluntary, commercial-based assistance.

In October 2025, the agreement was renewed at the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, keeping the safety net active through 2026 and expanding cooperation to include natural gas, considering Southeast Asia’s growing reliance on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The AEM warned that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are causing volatility in global oil and LNG markets, posing risks to economic stability across Southeast Asia.

Disruptions in key supply routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, and rising international energy costs could affect trade, production, and transportation throughout the region.

To address these challenges, the AEM stressed the need to prioritize energy diversification, including renewable and alternative sources such as biofuels, and promote more efficient energy use.

The AEM emphasized stronger regional coordination, including contingency reserves and collaboration with ASEAN Dialogue Partners, to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply.

The AEM highlighted the importance of advancing other regional initiatives, such as the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP), to ensure stable, secure, sustainable, and resilient energy connectivity and supply.

ASEAN is highly vulnerable to Middle East tensions, as most of its crude oil and a significant share of its LNG are imported from Gulf nations.

The project — the country’s largest integrated solar facility — is scheduled to dispatch an initial 85 MW of power this month, less than 15 months after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led its inauguration in November 2024.

President Marcos welcomed the development and commended Meralco’s broader efforts to expand electrification, strengthen renewable energy capacity, and support inclusive access to power.

“In the spirit of partnership, let me recognize the continued support of Meralco — our largest distribution utility, for its critical role in advancing our energy goals. From the Terra Solar project which will significantly expand renewable capacity through large scale solar and battery storage, to the electrification of remote communities and support of our net metering and lifeline rate programs, your initiatives help many Filipinos gain access to energy,” President Marcos Jr. said.

During an event at Meralco’s headquarters in Pasig City, the President joined Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, and other officials in reaffirming shared commitments to social protection, renewable energy adoption, and universal access to electricity — priorities outlined in the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address.

Meralco reiterated its support for the national energy agenda and pledged to continue working closely with the DOE, ERC, and other national and local government agencies to implement programs that directly benefit Filipino consumers.

Pangilinan highlighted initiatives aligned with the President’s directives, including strengthened implementation of the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program to ensure marginalized families benefit from electricity discounts, and streamlined net metering applications to make rooftop solar more accessible. These efforts support the administration’s target of energizing at least one million households through rooftop solar by 2028.

In support of total electrification, Pangilinan said in a Feb. 14 news release: “We continue working to bring reliable electricity to unserved and underserved communities–using both legacy and innovative grid solutions.”

Meralco recently launched a hybrid solar project that will soon provide 24/7 power to more than 1,000 residents on Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon.

Beyond renewables, the company also secured a US$2.8-million technical assistance grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to support a comprehensive study on the potential deployment of nuclear power plants in the country, in line with the government’s efforts to explore safe and responsible nuclear energy adoption.

Pangilinan said that these milestones were made possible through strong collaboration among government, regulators, utilities, and communities.

“We are deeply grateful that your government appreciates the importance in our work. Thank you for the direction you gave, and the productive partnership given to Meralco by your administration,” he told President Marcos Jr.

The Manuel V. Pangilinan-led power distributor recently renewed its Salesforce Enterprise License Agreement (SELA 4.0), reinforcing its commitment to using advanced digital platforms to improve operational efficiency and deliver seamless, customer-centric services.

Driving digital transformation

Through the renewed collaboration, Meralco will continue to utilize Salesforce Energy & Utilities, an industry-specific platform designed to support utility operations. The solution enables Meralco to respond more quickly to evolving customer needs and regulatory requirements while ensuring its systems remain future-ready.

Over the past decade, Salesforce has powered Meralco’s Customer eXperience Engine (CXE), the digital backbone of its customer service operations. Built on Salesforce CRM, CXE allows customers to apply for new electricity connections, view and pay bills, and report outages through a single, integrated portal.

Today, CXE supports millions of Meralco customers across multiple digital touchpoints, making everyday transactions faster and more convenient.

Reflecting on the partnership, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz underscored the shared commitment to continuous innovation.

“Together, we have been consistently challenged to think bigger, move faster, and deliver outcomes that matter to our customers. We both remain committed to supporting and achieving that vision,” Geluz said.

Geluz noted that Meralco has significantly expanded its digital and self-service channels over the past decade, ensuring customers can access support anytime and anywhere—an effort that proved critical during the pandemic. These initiatives have translated into strong customer satisfaction, with Meralco’s Customer Experience Index (CXI) reaching 94.57% as of 2025. The CXI measures service performance across effectiveness, ease, and emotional satisfaction.

“As we enter the next phase of our collaboration, we look ahead with confidence—not only to sustain what is working, but to unlock even greater value in the years to come,” Geluz added.

Salesforce Executive Vice President and Managing Director for South Asia Sales & Distribution Arun Parameswaran emphasized the broader impact of the partnership.

“Being part of nation-building brings us immense pride. The work Meralco does is foundational to the country’s infrastructure, and what you are building today will shape the Philippines’ future,” he said.

Adopting AI-powered solutions

Under the renewed partnership, Meralco is introducing artificial intelligence-driven capabilities into its service operations through Salesforce Agentforce. These AI-powered tools are designed to improve customer concern handling, shorten resolution times, and allow service agents to focus on more complex cases.

Meralco personnel will also benefit from Salesforce’s Signature Success Plan, which provides structured technical guidance and performance oversight. The plan supports safe deployment of platform enhancements, strong governance, and alignment with Meralco’s enterprise architecture and operational standards.

More than a technology upgrade, the renewed agreement reflects Meralco’s broader strategy to elevate customer experience through digital transformation.

“As we move into 2026, Meralco and Salesforce are ready—with the right platform, governance, and partnership—to deliver reliable, scalable, and customer-centric service,” said Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho.