The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) have continued talks with Japanese government and energy officials on strengthening the Philippines’ strategic oil stockpiling program as part of efforts to improve the country’s long-term energy security.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin welcomed representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia during a high-level consultative session on national oil stockpiling and regional energy cooperation.
According to the DOE, the discussions centered on operational frameworks, oil stockpiling systems, and international best practices that could help strengthen the Philippines’ fuel supply resilience.
Participants also exchanged technical insights on infrastructure planning, risk management, and site selection. They agreed to continue working-level consultations as feasibility studies for the program move forward.
The initiative builds on the Philippines’ existing energy cooperation with Japan under the Partnership for Wider Energy and Resources Resilience in Asia, or POWER Asia.
The DOE said the effort forms part of its continuing push to improve the country’s preparedness against future fuel supply disruptions and strengthen long-term energy security.