BOI invites PE2, DOE to help promote EE&C among RBEs
MAKATI CITY, 25 September 2025 – The Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) and the Department of Energy (DOE) were among the invited resource partners of the Board of Investments (BOI) during the latter’s event intended to promote energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) investments among BOI-registered business enterprises (RBEs). The half-day event entitled "Promoting Operational Wins and Energy Resilience for BOI Registered Enterprises in Energy Efficiency” (POWER-EE) was held earlier today as part of the BOI Resource-Based Industries Series (RBIS) Energy Industry Development Initiatives Series.
After context setting remarks of BOI Executive Director Fe del Rosario, wherein she called on RBEs to proactively pursue EE&C improvements in their facilities, DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) Director Atty. Patrick Aquino delivered a video message on the policy framework and achievements under the EE&C Act.
PE2 President Alexander Ablaza emphasized the importance of enhancing energy efficiency across various energy end-use sectors in local economy. He noted that energy efficiency upgrades can be financed through the savings they generate, whether self-financed by end end-user RBE, or financed externally by energy service companies (ESCOs) or third-party project developers (TPPDs). He explained that ESCOs and TPPDs can aggregate multiple projects and mobilize capital investments outside the balance sheets of the end-user RBEs. Ablaza explained that most, if not all, RBEs are classified Designated Establishments under the EE&C Act.
Supplementing the DOE message, BOI-RBIS specialists Arianne Ada Antoni and Romalyn Manalo explained the BOI registration process for EE&C projects under Republic Act 11285, distinguishing between simple and complex EE&C projects as well as energy service investments (ESI). They outlined the specific requirements for each project type, including energy savings targets and investment costs, and explained the available incentives, such as a 50% capital investment incentive for new and expanded ESI projects. The BOI presentations further emphasized the critical role of EE&C in meeting the country’s energy objectives and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
After all presentations, Ablaza, Antoni and Manalo engaged in a panel discussion moderated by BOI-RBIS energy division assistant chief Graciela Marie Juatco. The discussion centered on improving coordination between government agencies to streamline investment in energy efficiency projects. Key points included simplifying the investment process, particularly concerning real property tax and energy efficiency incentives, and fostering better communication between national and local government units for smoother implementation. Challenges highlighted were the insufficient incentives for energy efficiency projects and a lack of funding to prepare these projects for investment.
Acting BOI-RBIS Director Francis Peñaflor closed the event with a useful recap of the key takeaways of the event, which was aimed to enhance the awareness of BOI-registered firms regarding the EE&C Act, promote compliance, encourage adoption of energy-efficient technologies, and support actions that align with national energy and climate goals. Additionally, there was a call for a more responsive BOI review process to facilitate investment in energy efficiency.
Joining Ablaza in the PE2 delegation were PE2 Vice President for Technical Affairs Raymond Marquez, EconoServ Solutions Vice President for Operations Antonette Marquez, Vega Energy Services Managing Director William Alcantara, iONTEK Power Solutions General Manager Miles Ballestar, Republic Cement Director for Strategy Kemuel Garcia, and PE2 Secretariat Manager Hazel Planco. PE2 associate member Concreat Holdings Philippines (Solid Cement) was likewise represented in the BOI event.
