PE2 leads FICCI energy panel on business sector response to global disruptions
MAKATI CITY- 23 June 2026 – Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) president Alexander Ablaza was invited by the 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞 (𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥.) 𝐈𝐧𝐜. (𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐂𝐈) to serve as moderator of a panel discussion intended to provide business leaders with actionable strategies for managing energy risks amid global disruptions. The discussion was the culminating session of the FICCI energy forum, “𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝: 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧,” held earlier today at the Dusit Thani hotel.
The forum gathered business leaders, policymakers, and energy experts to discuss the evolving energy landscape and explore strategies to address rising energy costs, market volatility, and operational challenges affecting businesses today.
Ablaza moderated the executive panel dialogue, “From Risk to Resilience: Energy Strategies, Compliance, and Operational Continuity in an Unpredictable Global Landscape,” where the discussion highlighted translating geopolitical disruptions into operational and cost impacts, real-world strategies for energy efficiency and cost optimization, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to industry standards amid volatility, managing risks and avoiding costly disruptions and future-proofing operations through resilient energy strategies.
Panelists included Eric Tamondong of Mount Solar Power and GCORE Renewables PH; Manuel Onrejas, Jr., CEO of FAST Group Inc.; Michael Arcatomy Guarin, Head of Advisory, R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG in the Philippines), Carlos Lorenzo Vega, Vice President and Chief Customer Engagement Officer of First Gen Corporation; and, Alan Jones, CEO of AECO Energy.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin delivered the keynote address and highlighted the Marcos administration's decision to place energy security at the center of its development agenda, saying it will strengthen the country's long-term resilience and support the transition to a sustainable energy system. She also highlighted the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2025, which seeks to reduce dependence on imported fuel by developing domestic energy sources and increasing the share of renewable energy (RE) in the power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. She believed that this goal will be achieved through the inclusion of RE sources in the Green Energy Option Program, having a Renewable Portfolio Standard, and the Green Energy Option Program, along with other measures that include up to 100 percent foreign ownership of RE projects, expanding transmission infrastructure, modernizing the power grid, and promoting the use of electric vehicles.
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairman and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan reported on the ERC’s achievements in fast-tracking the case backlog and the policy innovations being rolled out to make electricity more affordable to Philippine businesses.
FICCI continues to create platforms that encourage meaningful dialogue, industry collaboration, and innovative solutions toward a sustainable and resilient business community.
