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As we begin the new year, the Philippines stands at a defining crossroads in its energy journey. Our country contributes less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet we are among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Every storm that strikes our shores and every power interruption that slows our economy reminds us of the same truth: resilience begins with reliable energy.
For too long, the climate debate has framed progress as a trade-off: that to act responsibly for the planet, we must sacrifice growth, stability, and affordability. But for our country, the path forward demands both courage and clarity. Climate justice cannot mean asking our people to bear the costs of problems we did not cause. It must mean building an energy system that protects livelihoods, empowers communities, and drives inclusive development.
A Vision for Balanced Powering Progress
Our mission for 2026 and beyond is to transform the Philippines into a nation powered by balance — where energy security, sustainability, and affordability reinforce, rather than contradict, each other. We commit to pursuing renewable energy aggressively, but with discipline and pragmatism. Solar, wind, and hydro must grow as pillars of our future grid, supported by flexible, dispatchable baseload power that ensures stability and affordability.
This “all-of-the-above” approach is not an ideological compromise. It is an economic necessity. It recognizes that intermittent power cannot yet replace firm capacity, and that the true measure of progress lies in keeping the lights on, the bills manageable, and the economy moving. Development itself is our most effective defense against climate change. A stronger economy means greater capacity to adapt, invest, and decarbonize over time.
Energy for Every Filipino
Access to affordable electricity is not a privilege. It is a right and a foundation of national progress. No clinic can store vaccines without a steady power supply. No student can learn effectively through rolling blackouts. No small business can thrive on uncertain supply. Inclusive development requires abundant, reliable, and accessible energy for all.
We must therefore reject the false choice between climate responsibility and growth. The Philippines should meet its environmental commitments through innovation, efficiency, and cooperation, not through measures that punish the poor or weaken our competitiveness.
Energy policy must be judged by outcomes, not intentions. It must deliver real improvements in people’s lives, not just symbolic targets that make little difference to global emissions.
Building Resilience Through Pragmatism
Every typhoon season reminds us of our vulnerability. Yet, it also reminds us of our strength, our ability to adapt and rebuild. The 2026 energy mission envisions resilience not as mere recovery from disaster, but as readiness for a future of steady power, strong infrastructure, and smarter systems.
We must work to modernize the grid, expand energy storage, and strengthen interconnections across the archipelago. We will encourage investment in cleaner technologies, streamline regulation, and promote innovation in both traditional and renewable energy sectors.
We should call for collaboration among government, industry, and the public. Policymakers must craft clear, consistent rules that attract long-term investment. Private developers must align growth with sustainability. Consumers, too, play a role — by embracing efficiency and supporting reforms that build a fair, stable energy future.
A Collective Commitment
The Philippines cannot change the course of global warming alone. But we can and must change how we power our future. By pursuing pragmatic ambition, we can prove that development and decarbonization are not enemies, but partners in progress.
Our energy agenda for 2026 and beyond should be that every Filipino, regardless of income or location, will have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power.
True climate justice begins at home, with policies that put people first, strengthen our resilience, and fuel our nation’s ascent. The light that powers our homes and industries must also illuminate our shared purpose: a Philippines that grows, adapts, and leads with integrity in a changing world.
Source:
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/vantage-point-truth-net-zero-emissions
https://opinion.inquirer.net/177848/or-baseload-power-is-vital-for-reliability-and-security
