Jillian Marielle Tiraña

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of renewable energy during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) held at Batasang Pambansa Complex on July 24.

Photo Courtesy of Veejay Villafranca/Bloomberg / Alexis Corpus/Inquirer


According to him, his administration is “aggressively” encouraging the use of green energy, aiming to increase its share in the power mix from 29% to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

“When it comes to energy, renewable energy is the way forward,” the president claims.

Marcos explained that the country has over a thousand active renewable energy projects: 299 solar-sourced, 187 wind-based, 436 hydroelectric, 58 biomass, 36 geothermal, and 9 ocean-powered.

He also stated that these projects have been more welcoming to international investments. Last year, the Department of Energy enabled 100% foreign capital for renewable energy projects, a significant increase from the previous limitation of 40%.

Additionally, Marcos commended the Malampaya project for providing 20% of Luzon’s electricity.

He assured that “The renewal of the contract guarantees continued revenues and energy production for another 15 years,” in reference to the extension of Malampaya’s operations, which were supposed to expire in February 2024.

The said project, initiated in 2001, employed natural gas to provide energy to four power plants on the island, with a total capacity of 3,200 megawatts.

Furthermore, the president is also eyeing further energy exploration and development in the country, citing a recent partnership with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He expects the interest of more investors in the upcoming energy sites.

Claiming that almost half a million homes have been given access to electricity since the beginning of his administration, he aims for full household electrification throughout the country by the end of his term. 


Edited by Christine Gaile Dimatatac