Sen. Camille Villar called for stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to accelerate the country’s transition to sustainable energy, highlighting the role of circular economy solutions in addressing climate and power challenges.
Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, made the remarks during the launch of a biomass facility operated by Nestlé Philippines in Cabuyao, Laguna.
The facility converts agricultural waste into renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while creating additional income opportunities for farmers by repurposing farm residues.
Villar said such initiatives show how industrial innovation can support both environmental protection and rural development.
“In a time of global uncertainty and climate urgency, how we produce energy and sustain food systems will define our nation’s future,” she said, stressing the need for more resilient and diversified energy sources.
She noted that the Philippines remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel supply and prices, making investments in renewable and locally sourced energy solutions increasingly urgent.
Villar also emphasized the need to scale up policies that promote resource efficiency and renewable energy adoption as part of building a climate-resilient economy.
She expressed support for private sector-led sustainability efforts aligned with national development goals, adding that the government should help expand and sustain such initiatives.
“As legislators, our responsibility is to ensure these efforts are supported and replicated,” Villar said, noting that models like biomass energy systems should be encouraged across more industries.
Nestlé Philippines said the facility forms part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while advancing cleaner and more sustainable production practices.
Villar said she hopes the project will encourage more companies to invest in similar clean energy solutions and help accelerate the country’s shift toward a more secure and sustainable energy future.