THE Department of Energy (DOE) is set to turn over the P20-billion emergency energy fund to the Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC) and PNOC Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) to stabilize domestic fuel supply.

With the country now under a state of national energy emergency, regulators have moved swiftly to contain the impact of surging global fuel prices, suspending the power spot market and rolling out emergency measures to stabilize electricity supply and prices.

The Philippines has sufficient power supply in grids across the country that can last until June 2026, but reserve margins remain vulnerable to changes in demand, according to a study released by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).

Makati City has secured a full transition of its government power consumption to renewable energy after signing a nine-year supply agreement with ACEN Corporation, a move that positions it as the first local government unit in the Philippines formally recognized by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for 100% renewable energy utilization.

The Philippines’ push toward renewable energy could stall without stronger legal frameworks, improved grid infrastructure, and increased financing, experts and policymakers warned during a multi-sector dialogue in Manila.

Solar energy is being positioned as a “low-hanging fruit” to improve power reliability in the Philippines, as the grid faces ongoing vulnerabilities ahead of the summer months and amidst global market volatility.

Lopez-led First Gen Corp. reported an 8% increase in attributable recurring net income for 2025, as stronger hydro generation offset weaker earnings from its geothermal unit amid lower spot market prices and higher operating costs.

ACEN has secured financing for its wind project in India, marking another step in the company’s international expansion of renewable investments overseas.

MANUFACTURERS are tightening operations and focusing on cost control and continuity as global oil prices rise, with the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) backing the government’s declaration of a National Energy Emergency as a timely response to mounting pressures.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Wednesday, March 25, that it placed troops on standby for possible deployment to protect key facilities and assist in logistics after President Marcos Jr. declared a State of National Energy Emergency.