TAGUIG CITY –  In line with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) goal to promote robust energy sector investments in the country, the 16th Energy Investment Forum (EIF) was virtually held today (4 December) via Zoom, MS Teams and Facebook livestream.  

Energy Alfonso G. Cusi said in his welcome message, "While we work to build back better amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the onslaught of typhoons, this annual activity is an opportunity for us to showcase what lies ahead in the Philippine energy sector. For 16 years now, the EIF has garnered the interest and participation of the entire energy family in realizing our goals of energy security, reliability, and resiliency."

The Energy Secretary gave an outlook of the Philippine Energy Plan, the Renewable Energy Law, and other recent policies in support of the country's energy goals. These include the move to transform the Philippines into a regional liquefied natural gas hub, the potential of tapping nuclear energy for power generation, and updates on various energy efficiency and conservation initiatives of the Department.

DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella likewise delivered a presentation entitled, "Energy Synergy with the Local Government Units (LGU)", while National Renewable Energy Board Chairperson Atty. Monalisa C. Dimalanta discussed the National Renewable Energy Program which will help develop the country's RE resources and stimulate investments in the RE sector.

Meanwhile, Senate Committee on Energy Chairperson Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian delivered a keynote message highlighting the energy laws and bills that the Senate has been working on in close coordination with the Department. 

Also present in the virtual forum were officials from the embassies, banks, various government agencies, representatives from regional LGUs and electric cooperatives, energy developers, and other industry stakeholders.

###