DLSU ME body invites PE2 to energy trilemma talk
MANILA, 11 October 2025 – The American Society of Mechanical Engineers Student unit of De La Salle University (ASME-DLSU) invited Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) president Alexander Ablaza to join energy sector experts in a panel discussion to tackle the energy trilemma during its annual event, ASMODIUM 2025, held earlier today at the DLSU. Other panelists included Emmanuel Rubio, President and CEO of Meralco PowerGen Corporation, Dr. Joey Ocon, Full Professor and Research Fellow, Chemical Engineering Department, DLSU, Atty. Nancy Fajardo, Executive Director of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and Alberto Dalusung III, Energy Transition Advisor of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).
The expert panel exchanged views on why balancing affordability, security, and sustainability remains a challenge for the Philippine energy sector today amid rising fuel and electricity costs in recent years due to geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Alexander Ablaza said, “Energy efficiency actually makes the balancing act much, much easier. It frees up energy infrastructure capacities in the grid and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while dampening the steady escalation of energy prices.” He explained that the market now has various business models and financial mechanisms that can help unlock capital flows and investments toward 45,900 MW of deferred energy infrastructure upgrades through demand-side energy efficiency projects in the commercial, industrial, transport and government sectors. The PE2 head likewise described the potential impact of harvesting 182 Mtoe of waste energy in the demand side of the local energy market to the grid and the fossil fuel market.
“I call on the mechanical engineering students to design and build the next generation of cooling and heating technologies which will raise the bar in thermal and energy efficiencies,” Ablaza challenged the audience.
The panelists swapped recommendations for key actions — whether policy reform, technological adoption, or business model change — to accelerate progress on the energy trilemma.
ASMODIUM 2025 was an event that explored the evolving energy landscape of the Philippines, focusing on renewable power, grid systems, and emerging technologies. The seminar highlighted sector challenges and opportunities while emphasizing innovation and sustainability in shaping the nation’s energy future.
ASME-DLSU is an organization that provides mechanical engineering students with a community and numerous opportunities for professional and personal growth. Fostering a collaborative environment where students can connect, share knowledge, and enhance their skills through activities and programs, ASME-DLSU employs a blend of technical knowledge and soft skills to prepare mechanical engineering students for paths in engineering and related fields.
