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The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have joined forces in a landmark initiative to accelerate the country’s shift toward a more sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient energy future. The partnership, formalized during the MAP Energy CEO Forum on December 1, 2025, revolves around a three-year Joint Energy Action Agenda (JEAA) spanning 2026 to 2028.
The JEAA offers a structured roadmap for collaboration between public and private sectors, aligning key stakeholders toward implementing the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023–2050. The PEP aims to increase renewable energy’s share in the national energy mix while gradually reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“Its signing marks the beginning of coordinated, high-impact action and underscores what can be achieved when leadership, expertise, and a shared national purpose converge,” MAP said.
(Also read: Isabela Solar Farm Marks Clean Energy Milestone)
Pillars for Progress
The JEAA identifies four main pillars to drive the energy transition. These include: enhancing energy mix delivery, resolving infrastructure challenges, fostering market competition, and implementing cost-efficient strategies for the energy transition. The pillars were shaped through extensive consultations by the MAP Energy Committee, which convened leaders from the public sector, private sector, and the energy supply chain.
Key initiatives under the first pillar focus on accelerating the deployment of renewable energy and ensuring reliable access to energy for all Filipinos. This involves reviewing PEP assumptions, fast-tracking project approvals via the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS), unlocking waste-to-energy opportunities, and exploring cost-effective solutions for off-grid areas.
To address infrastructure delays, MAP and DOE plan to facilitate dialogues between the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and the private sector. The discussions will aim to clarify transmission build-out requirements and ensure the timely implementation of critical infrastructure projects.
(Also read: Consumers Can Expect New Renewable Energy Fees on 2026 Bills)
Enhancing Market Competition and Financing
Market competitiveness is a central concern for the partnership. MAP and DOE intend to participate actively in the Energy Regulatory Commission Technical Working Group, fostering transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency in the energy sector. The group will work on measures that allow qualified consumers to select their energy supplier, tapping into dormant demand that could otherwise remain underutilized.
The PPP also emphasizes financing solutions for a cost-effective energy transition. This includes developing innovative market designs beyond traditional long-term power agreements, supporting aggregated demand from small and short-term borrowers, and diversifying financing channels through commercial and development banks.
These measures are designed to ensure that Filipino families and businesses have access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable electricity, paving the way for broader economic growth and energy resilience.
Private Sector Voices Urge Speed and Affordability
Business leaders have long stressed the need for an energy framework that balances sustainability with affordability. Last year, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), composed of experts and executives from top Philippine companies, urged the Marcos administration to review the PEP to bring down electricity costs.
The council noted an “urgent need to reevaluate” the national energy plan, highlighting the importance of making electricity more affordable while continuing the shift toward clean power sources. They advocated for amending capacity auctions, including the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), and aligning procurement strategies to benefit consumers.
The government targets raising renewable energy’s contribution to the power mix from 22 percent to 35 percent by 2030. The GEAP and other initiatives have played a crucial role in accelerating this transition.
Beyond energy, the PSAC also recommended improvements in the water sector, including flood control infrastructure and privatization of utilities in underserved regions. Such measures, the council argued, could simplify service delivery, lower losses, and boost overall efficiency.
Building on this holistic perspective, the collaboration between MAP and DOE represents a significant step toward a holistic approach to energy policy in the Philippines. By combining private sector expertise with public sector authority, the JEAA offers a blueprint for tackling infrastructure challenges, fostering market competition, and ensuring a sustainable, cost-efficient energy future.
Sources:
https://business.inquirer.net/562899/map-doe-collab-to-push-energy-agenda
https://business.inquirer.net/477742/biz-leaders-seek-urgent-review-of-ph-energy-plan