The Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA), the organization of independent power producers, said Tuesday they will heed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to establish more power generation capacity.
Marcos announced during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) that his administration aims to finish about 200 power plants in the next three years, which will provide electricity to about 4 million households.
“The members of PIPPA heed the mandate of the President, His Excellency, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to establish additional capacity in the country to address the electrification goals of this administration,” said Anne Estorco-Montelibano, PIPPA executive director.
She said power generators would work with industry stakeholders — the Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines and the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. — to achieve the objectives of energy security, reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability.
PIPPA has about 28 members, providing 82.8 percent, or about 13,549.40 megawatts (MW), of the country’s installed capacity.
Jay Layug, president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent Inc. (DREAM) and director at the Philippine Energy Research & Policy Institute (PERPI), lauded the thrust of the president’s speech on ensuring the sufficiency of energy supply by building more power plants utilizing renewable energy to meet electricity demand.
“We also laud the President for ensuring that electrification of the entire country is achieved. His targets are pointed and specific. The renewable energy private sector will fully support the efforts of the government for a more sustainable future,” Layug said.
For its part, the DOE reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to uplift the quality of life of all Filipinos by ensuring the delivery of reliable, secure and affordable electricity across the country.
The DOE said it is intensifying efforts to accelerate the implementation of key power development programs, strengthen energy security and promote investments in diverse and cleaner energy sources. These initiatives are vital to supporting inclusive economic growth, enhancing productivity and addressing the needs of underserved and off-grid areas.
“The DOE stands fully aligned with the President’s vision to bring the benefits of energy development directly to the people. We are resolute in ensuring that our kababayans, whether in urban centers or remote islands, have access to reliable and affordable electricity that meets their daily needs and future aspirations,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
The DOE is working closely with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to enhance energy infrastructure, streamline regulatory processes and fast-track projects that will boost generation capacity, reinforce the power grid and expand electrification coverage.
National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said the agency fully embraces the president’s call for the energy sector to accelerate access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity, particularly in off-grid and underserved communities.
NEA said it would continue to work closely with its partner electric cooperatives (ECs) to expand and hasten the deployment of solar home systems and other renewable energy solutions in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Filipino community is left behind in the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.
“We welcome the President’s challenge as a reaffirmation of our mission — and we reiterate our readiness to deliver concrete results,” Almeda said.
He said that as part of NEA’s commitment under the 2023–2028 National Electrification Plan, the agency is intensifying efforts to bring power to more unserved sitios and barangays across the country.
“We are in regular coordination to implement practical, long-term solutions that address electricity-related concerns in areas such as Siquijor and other island provinces facing unique energy challenges,” Almeda said.
