Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that accessible energy supply and services are vital on the government’s economic recovery efforts amid the continued impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

“There will always be a strong interrelationship between energy and economic development. Ensuring that we have sufficient, stable, and accessible energy supply and services to support progress, particularly our economic recovery efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, entails strong collaboration among all our energy stakeholders,” Cusi said.

Cusi added that among the strategies the DOE has been pursuing in securing the country’s energy future is the development and utilization of all resources,  most especially the indigenous energy.

According to Cusi, the DOE is also working to increase the attractiveness of the country as an energy investment destination.

He underscored the crucial role of energy in spurring sustainable economic development in the country in today’s Philippine Energy Independence Council (PEIC)-European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines virtual forum on energy transition.

With the theme, “Philippine Energy Transition: A Race through Economic Disruption, Technology Shifts and Innovation”, the forum featured discussions on how providing greater energy opportunities for the Filipino people could help the country attain energy independence and security.

Cusi’s keynote message was delivered by Energy Senior Undersecretary Jesus Cristino Posadas.

Speakers included Senate Committee on Energy Chairperson Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, PEIC chairman and Philippine National Oil Company – Exploration Corporation CEO Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, PEIC president Don Paulino, and PEIC executive director Amor Maclang.

Launched in September 2019, the PEIC is the first formal association in the Philippines committed to achieve the country’s energy independence by tapping both public and private sectors to explore new indigenous, renewable and cleaner energy options.

By: TDT

Source: Daily Tribune