EJAP Holds 2nd Energy Forum in Makati

MAKATI, Philippines—The Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), a premier organization of journalists covering the economy and business activities in the country, has successfully carried out its second energy forum last September 11 at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Headquarters in Makati City.

During the forum, representatives from the country’s energy regulators and top private sector players discussed the intersecting challenges of the Philippine power sector.

Newly-appointed Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan, one of the speakers in the EJAP event, told the TFCN that the ERC is getting ready to face new challenges in the power sector.

“We, at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), are embarking on a bold new chapter, one focused on enhancing agility, fostering sustainable growth, and empowering all our stakeholders through transparent and forward-thinking regulation,” Juan said.

In the forum, Juan said he underscored the need for the public to know that the ERC is up for a fresh start. Before assuming office at the ERC, Juan served as the president of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP). Juan has a long history at the ERC, previously serving as power regulatory body’s Executive Director and General Counsel.

“My presentation is more than an update; it is a first look at the ‘new ERC’,” said Juan, who assumed office last August 8, 2025.

With the theme “State of Philippine Energy: Balancing the Energy Trilemma,” the EJAP forum specifically zeroed in on power sector’s obstacles and opportunities as the industry seeks a sustainable balance among three critical goals: energy security, affordability and environmental sustainability.

In the EJAP forum, Department of Energy Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol, on the other hand,  talked on the agency’s strategic programs and policies designed to attract investments in the sector. 

The DOE official emphasized the government’s commitment to a just energy transition and the crucial need to develop more infrastructure to support the country’s growing power needs.

SEC Chairman Francis Lim, for his part, gave an opening speech on his office’s efforts to help boost investments in the energy sector.

Joining Juan and Caspongcol in a panel discussion were representatives from the private sector: First Gen Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp. and San Miguel Corp.

Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. is the silver sponsor for the forum, while PetroEnergy Resources Corp., PetroGreen Energy Corp., Manila Electric Co., Citicore Renewable Energy Corp., BDO Unibank Inc., Semirara Mining and Power Corp. and National Grid Corp. of the Philippines are the bronze sponsors.

Cover image:Newly-appointed Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan; EJAP