Makati city: An official of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Tuesday underscored the country's potential to achieve energy security but stressed the need to improve technology, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships. Speaking at the Energy Summit 2026 in Makati City, PCCI president Perry Ferrer highlighted the Philippines' energy resources, including geothermal, solar, offshore, and wind energy.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ferrer pointed out that the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels increases both economic and national security risks. He emphasized that merely hoping for favorable global order is not a viable strategy. Ferrer advocated for accelerating the development of indigenous energy resources, modernizing energy infrastructure, and forming strategic partnerships without compromising strategic autonomy.

Ferrer expressed confidence in the country's ability to meet these challenges, citing the nation's history of resilience and innovation. He called for political, institutional, and collective national will to act decisively.

In an interview after the panel discussions, Jose Victor Emmanuel de Dios, president and CEO of Prime CoreGen, commented on the Department of Energy's challenges amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. He noted that the country is managing the situation well through close coordination between the government and the private sector. De Dios suggested empowering the state-owned oil company to enhance its capabilities in crisis management and fuel supply assurance.