The Philippines have co-chaired the ETC, together with the UK, since 2023 and will also become co-chair of ASEAN in 2026.
The ETC was pleased to be able to coordinate another national dialogue in the country in December 2025, co-hosted with UNOPS SEA Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), UNDP and WWF-Philippines. Attendees came from government agencies (DOE, DENR, CCC, DOF), development partners, the private sector, civil society and academia.
A full agenda for ‘Building on Progress: Lessons, Partnerships, and Priorities for the Philippine Energy Transition’ included:
- A review of progress and lessons learned from ETC-supported technical assistance projects, delivered by partners as part of its Rapid Response Facility (RRF)
- Discussion on the opportunities and challenges of carbon markets in the Philippines, highlighting their potential as a key source of climate finance and a driver of the clean energy transition, while emphasising integrity, transparency and clear use of proceeds
- Panel discussion on how the Philippines can strategically position itself for a pivotal 2026 as it assumes key regional and global roles, including taking on the role of ASEAN Co-Chair.
Government leaders reiterated that the transition must be just, inclusive and people-centred, ensuring that all Filipinos – especially those in remote and underserved communities – gain access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. This ambition highlighted that energy transition is not only a technical challenge but also a social and developmental one tied to resilience, jobs and equitable growth.
As part of reviewing ETC-supported projects, investment mobilisation emerged as another core requirement, with substantial financing needed for grid expansion, battery storage, offshore wind, distributed energy resources, and energy-efficiency solutions.
Dialogue participants consistently highlighted that the Philippines stands at a crucial moment in its energy transition, with strong national ambition supported by growing international partnerships.
Across the panel, there was clear alignment that regional energy cooperation is essential to achieve renewable energy integration, system reliability and energy security across ASEAN. The Philippines’ chairmanship in 2026 provides an opportunity to drive progress on:
- The ASEAN Power Grid
- Cross-border power trade
- Regulatory harmonisation
- Skills and workforce development
- Renewable energy deployment, including offshore wind, distributed energy, energy storage and smart grids.