The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have discussed possible areas of expanded technical cooperation to help strengthen the Philippines’ energy security, supply resilience, and long-term sustainability.
The DOE, represented by Undersecretary Alessandro Sales, met with JICA representatives to identify potential technical assistance and collaborative initiatives aligned with the country’s energy security priorities.
The meeting built on earlier discussions on updating key studies related to the Philippines’ sedimentary basins and petroleum resource potential. These studies are seen as important in helping the government better assess the country’s indigenous energy resources and guide future exploration and development efforts.
The two sides also discussed possible assistance in strategic petroleum reserves, fuel stockpiling, and supply diversification, areas considered crucial as the Philippines continues to manage risks from global market disruptions, supply chain pressures, and price volatility.
During the meeting, the DOE shared the government’s ongoing measures to strengthen energy security. These include close coordination with the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and PNOC Exploration Corporation, strict enforcement of minimum inventory requirements, energy efficiency initiatives, and continuing contingency planning to help ensure supply stability during external shocks.
The discussion also highlighted existing DOE-JICA cooperation, including hydropower resource inventory development and studies on long-term power sector decarbonization.
Both sides identified additional opportunities for technical assistance that could support the country’s transition toward a more secure, resilient, and sustainable energy future.
The DOE said continued coordination with development partners such as JICA remains important as the Philippines works to expand energy options, reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions, and strengthen the planning framework for the country’s power and fuel sectors.