STRATEGIC ENERGY INVESTMENTS: Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi addresses the energy investors and participants during the Energy Investment Forum held on 6 December the final leg of the series of investment forum this year at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City.

As part of the celebration of the National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM), the Department of Energy-Investment Promotion Office (DOE-IPO) held on Tuesday (06 December) the final leg of the series of investment forum this year at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in this city.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi explained that “the Energy Investment Forum is an opportunity to share with partners and stakeholders the updates on the DOE’s undertakings, including policy directions and investment opportunities in the energy sector.”

"We are supporting the advancement of the Philippines’ national social and economic agenda, by undertaking policy and market reforms complemented by an active stewardship of the public interest in the country’s energy resources and industries.” Sec. Cusi further stated.

In his presentation, Sec. Cusi discussed the current situation and investment opportunities in the power, upstream and downstream oil and gas, coal, renewable, coal, alternative and biofuels and energy efficiency and conservation.

Specifically, the Energy Secretary highlighted the DOE’s efforts in crafting a comprehensive and responsive energy mix policy to support and sustain the growing economy while also guiding energy developers on the business environment.

In the power sector for instance, the Secretary mentioned about having to classify power plants into baseload (running on 24/7 basis), mid-merit (running on long hours but not 24/7) and peaking (with easy start-up and can be used during peak hours). In this regard, power developers can compete with one another accordingly and can picture the situation in each of the main grid for the kinds of investment needed.

According to Sec. Cusi, “The DOE envisions to create wealth for our nation and happiness to every Filipino.”

“The Philippine Energy Sector offers a number of investment opportunities, especially that incentives, sound policy mechanism and regulatory framework are in place,” Sec. Cusi concluded.

The DOE-IPO has been holding Energy Investment Forums for 12 years now.

Meanwhile, the NECM, an annual month-long celebration in accordance with Proclamation No. 1427, spearheaded by the DOE aims to increase public awareness on energy related activities and programs while strengthening the government’s policy on energy.

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