The Department of Energy (DOE) said it is strengthening efforts to boost energy cooperation across Southeast Asia as the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026.
Energy officials, led by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, are attending the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Oct. 14 to 17, 2025, to forge stronger partnerships aimed at ensuring energy is reliable, cleaner and more affordable for the region.
“We’re fully committed to working closely with our ASEAN neighbors to tackle energy challenges and unlock new opportunities,” Garin said.
“This meeting is a key moment for all of us to move toward a sustainable and secure energy future,” she said.
The DOE said the Philippines would use the AMEM to spotlight its progress in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and expanding energy access to more communities.
The DOE will also share best practices and explore joint projects on smart grids, cross-border power sharing, and modern infrastructure, which are all essential to building a more innovative and resilient ASEAN energy network.
Garin and other senior officials will hold bilateral meetings with ASEAN counterparts to prepare for the country’s upcoming chairship of the ASEAN Energy Meetings in 2026.
“Under President Marcos’ leadership, energy security and sustainability are central to our national development agenda,” Garin said.
“These priorities align closely with ASEAN’s vision, and we’re ready to lead regional efforts that benefit all,” she said.
Ahead of the ministerial discussions, Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella will represent the Philippines in senior-level talks to finalize key regional agreements.
These include a new ASEAN Power Grid Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an updated ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, the long-term Renewable Energy (RE) Roadmap, a regional Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Framework, discussions on nuclear energy cooperation, and tools to boost energy investments and track efficiency progress.
“We share one goal as ASEAN, a future where energy is clean, secure, and drives economic growth. By working together, we can turn this vision into concrete, lasting progress,” said Fuentebella.
