The Philippines-Slovenia partnership: Turning innovation into action
Most conversations now center on the challenges brought about by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Over the past weeks, we have witnessed how quickly global developments can destabilize systems and reveal just how vulnerable these systems truly are. The ongoing tensions underscore a fundamental reality: our systems—particularly in energy—are fragile, deeply interconnected, and highly susceptible to disruption.
The Philippines is feeling these vulnerabilities firsthand. It is an energy-importing nation. It is also greatly exposed to climate-related risks and natural disasters, as well as geopolitical shocks.
But alongside risks are opportunities. We only have to think and act strategically, in order to build resilience that is not only responsive, but anticipatory and enduring.
In identifying opportunities, we have to start with an acknowledgment of our strengths and advantages. We have many: we have in place the right policy direction, with stronger support for renewable energy, infrastructure development and digital transformation. We have a government that is increasingly responsive and supportive of investments that drive resilience, sustainability and long-term growth. It is a government willing and ready to introduce meaningful reform.
At the same time, we have a proactive and innovation-driven private sector that is actively leading the change instead of waiting in the sidelines. Across industries, Philippine companies are investing in renewable energy, advancing digital solutions and building more robust infrastructure. They are demonstrating that resilience is not only a national priority, but a business requirement.
Fundamentally, we have a distinct edge. We benefit from a young and skilled workforce, a continuously growing consumer base and access to key natural resources. Our important sectors, from renewable energy and green metals to digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, present strong potential for collaboration and investment.
But what does it mean to think and act strategically to maximize opportunities?
Strategic thinking demands that we invest in long-term resilience, strengthen our institutions and ensure that innovation and technology are translated into real-world solutions.
It also means attracting the right partners and investors who can help us build resilient systems that can withstand shocks and adapt to an increasingly uncertain environment.
In all this, collaboration with the international community remains essential.
We believe that progress is best achieved through cooperation, those that share our commitment to mutual growth and rules-based cooperation. Partnerships create opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer and market access. These relationships help ensure that innovation is shared and applied in ways that create mutual benefit.
More importantly, they lay the foundation for a longstanding partnership—one that goes beyond one-time transactions and instead builds reliability, trust and sustained cooperation over time.
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This is the driving force behind our two-day event earlier this week, “Science2Business: Energy Resilience for Enhanced Security.” This was a forum between representatives from the Philippines and Slovenia.
The forum brought together key stakeholders and primary decision makers from both countries. The first day highlighted the importance of strengthening the link between science, innovation and policy in addressing today’s energy and security challenges.
The second day moved from dialogue to action-oriented solutions. The session was designed as a platform for direct engagement among private sector partners and investors – both local and international. It reflects a shared understanding that achieving resilience—whether in energy, infrastructure, or digital systems—requires not only ideas, but strong partnerships to ensure proper implementation.
During those two days, there were meaningful discussions and concrete collaboration that will drive investment, strengthen resilience and support sustainable growth.
Slovenia brings with it not only advanced technologies and strong research capabilities, but also a model of close collaboration between government, private sector and civil society—an approach that is essential to building strength at scale.
Slovenia is among our like-minded partners—countries that share our commitment to mutual growth, ethical innovation and rules-based cooperation. Slovenia is one such partner. It brings with it not only advanced technologies and strong research capabilities, but also a model of close collaboration between government, private sector and civil society—an approach that is essential to building resilience at scale.
Slovenia and the Philippines are well-positioned to grow together as partners, anchored in shared goals and a commitment to deliver lasting impact.
The role of the private sector and the governments of both countries is central in this effort.
Sustained, investment-driven growth depends on the ability of businesses to bring in capital, technology and expertise that can be translated into real, scalable solutions. These investments are not only critical to strengthening resilience, but also to generating jobs, expanding industries and supporting long-term economic development.
Today’s business-to-business engagements are an important step in that direction.
They provide a space for companies and institutions to connect, explore opportunities and identify areas where cooperation can lead to tangible results—whether in energy systems, water infrastructure, digital technologies, or other critical sectors.
The presence of the business delegation from Slovenia is a testament to their growing interest in strengthening cooperation between the two nations. It reflects a shared recognition that resilience is built through collaboration and that meaningful partnerships can drive real impact. We look forward to productive discussions, exchange of ideas and expertise and most importantly, to concrete outcomes.
The conversations identified where action is needed and how countries like the Philippines can better position itself in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
At the end of the day, resilience is strengthened not only through policy, but through projects that are implemented, investments that are made and a long-lasting partnership.
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Rupert Paul Manhit is the COO and managing director of think tank Stratbase Group. He is the executive director of Philippine Trade Foundation (Phils Inc.)
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