Against the backdrop of a national energy emergency and a global energy crisis, the Philippines will advance a strong ASEAN energy agenda aimed at protecting people, strengthening economies, and building resilience as it hosts the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM44) and its Associated Meetings from 5 to 9 October 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
The meetings come at a consequential moment for the region. Supply disruptions, volatile energy prices, and geopolitical uncertainties can quickly translate into higher transport and food costs, pressure on businesses, and uncertainty for households. At stake are livelihoods, jobs, and ASEAN’s capacity to sustain economic growth.
For the Philippines, this moment presents an opportunity to bring greater urgency and purpose to regional cooperation: strengthen preparedness for energy emergencies while accelerating the investments, infrastructure, and technologies needed for a more secure energy future.
As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines will champion an agenda that connects immediate energy security with long-term resilience—advancing regional electricity connectivity, strengthening petroleum supply preparedness, diversifying energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and mobilizing investments that support innovation and jobs.
The meeting week will begin with preparatory meetings of senior energy officials on 5 and 6 October, including the Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) Preparatory Meeting and relevant sessions with ASEAN Plus Three and East Asia Summit participating countries. These discussions will prepare key priorities and recommendations for consideration by the energy ministers.
The ministerial meetings will bring together ASEAN energy ministers and their counterparts from ASEAN Plus Three and East Asia Summit participating countries to advance cooperation on energy security, regional connectivity, investment, and the energy transition.
A key priority is advancing the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) through work toward operationalizing the Enhanced APG Memorandum of Understanding. Discussions will cover task force work plans, the proposed regional planning framework, and progress on a framework for submarine power cable development.
Stronger electricity connections can help ASEAN Member States make better use of available energy resources, strengthen system resilience, and integrate more renewable energy. Progress on the APG can also open opportunities for investment, infrastructure development, and technical expertise across the region.
The Philippines will also support progress toward ratification and operational readiness of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA), which provides a framework for coordinated regional action during serious petroleum supply disruptions.
Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said recent pressures in international energy markets underscore the importance of strengthening national preparedness through effective regional cooperation.
“Energy security is a shared challenge. What happens in global energy markets can quickly reach our shores, affecting the cost and availability of fuel, disrupting industries, and putting pressure on households. Our ASEAN Chairship is an opportunity to translate regional cooperation into practical arrangements that strengthen our collective ability to prepare for and respond to disruptions,” Secretary Garin said.
Beyond emergency preparedness, AMEM44 will advance the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, linking energy security with cleaner and more diverse energy sources, energy efficiency, infrastructure development, and a just and inclusive energy transition.
Held in parallel with AMEM44, the 26th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-26) will bring together government, industry, investors, financial institutions, technology providers, and development partners to help translate regional priorities into partnerships and investible projects.
Hosted by the Philippines through the Department of Energy (DOE) and organized by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), AEBF-26 carries the theme “Clean Energy Unlocked: A Stronger ASEAN,” with the sub-theme “Driving Innovation and Investment Toward a Sustainable Energy Future.” More than 1,500 delegates from across the region and beyond are expected to participate.
The Forum will feature policy dialogues, high-level roundtables, business engagements, and exhibitions on the ASEAN Power Grid, renewable energy, energy efficiency, financing, and investment. It will also feature the Philippines Energy Investment Forum, discussions on sustainable aviation fuel, the launch of the 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook, and regional energy management and certification initiatives.
These engagements will connect policy direction with capital, technology, and expertise—helping build the projects and capabilities needed to secure energy supplies, create jobs, and support resilient communities.
The Philippines will also host the 4th Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting, providing a further platform for cooperation on energy security and practical pathways toward decarbonization.
Through these engagements, the Philippines seeks to channel the urgency of the present crisis into a stronger foundation for ASEAN’s future: practical cooperation that safeguards livelihoods, unlocks investment and innovation, and strengthens the region’s ability to withstand the next disruption.
The measure of success will be how regional cooperation translates into reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy for our people, and stronger opportunities for shared prosperity.
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