DoE rules out travel for ASEAN energy meetings

THE Department of Energy (DoE) will turn to virtual meetings for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) energy discussions, citing the need to save energy with fuel prices remaining volatile due to the fighting in the Middle East.

In a statement on Sunday, the DoE said the shift to virtual covers the succeeding meetings of the ASEAN energy sector, following the successful hosting of the ASEAN Special Senior Officials Meeting on Energy in Bohol in January.

The Philippines sets the agenda on ASEAN matters during its chairmanship this year.

“Even as we adjust the format of our meetings, the Philippines remains fully committed to delivering a productive and results-oriented ASEAN energy chairmanship,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

“By moving the meetings online, we can use resources more prudently, remain responsive to current realities, and sustain close coordination with our fellow ASEAN Member States and partners,” she added.

The government is seeking to recalibrate the hosting of ASEAN 2026 by scaling down nonessential activities “in order to save on expenses and focus on the most important.”

The DoE’s remaining engagements include  sub-sector meetings in April and May, the Senior Officials Meeting on Energy in June, and the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in September.

The virtual format is not expected to diminish the Philippine role in advancing ASEAN’s energy agenda.

“The Philippines will continue to advance regional priorities that strengthen energy security, enhance resilience, and support a more connected and future-ready ASEAN energy landscape,” the DoE said.

The DoE likewise  affirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Centre for Energy, and dialogue partners throughout the chairship period to ensure that discussions remain substantive, coordinated, and outcome-driven. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera