CEBU, Philippines — All remaining Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) energy meetings for 2026 will be conducted virtually.
This was announced by the Department of Energy (DOE) following a directive from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to recalibrate the country’s hosting of ASEAN-related activities.
According to the agency, the move is part of a broader effort by the Philippine government to adopt more cost-efficient and energy-conscious approaches while ensuring that key sectoral deliverables remain on track.
The recalibration of the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 hosting was earlier announced on March 27, 2026, with a stronger focus on urgent priorities such as energy security.
The shift to virtual meetings comes after the country successfully hosted the ASEAN Special Senior Officials Meeting on Energy, held in Bohol from January 20 to 22, 2026.
“Even as we adjust the format of our meetings, the Philippines remains fully committed to delivering a productive and results-oriented ASEAN energy chairship,” said Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin in a statement.
Garin added, “By moving the meetings online, we can use resources more prudently, remain responsive to current realities, and sustain close coordination with our fellow ASEAN Member States and partners.”
Despite the transition, the DOE assured that the Philippines will continue to lead a full calendar of ASEAN energy engagements. These include sub-sector meetings scheduled in April and May, the Senior Officials Meeting on Energy in June, and the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in September.
The agency emphasized that the virtual format will not diminish the country’s leadership role in advancing the region’s energy agenda. Among the key initiatives to be pushed forward during the Philippine chairship are the ASEAN Power Grid, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline.
The DOE also reaffirmed its commitment to sustained coordination with ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Centre for Energy, and dialogue partners to ensure that discussions remain substantive, coordinated, and outcome-driven.
Through this approach, the Philippines aims to maintain momentum in regional energy cooperation while aligning its ASEAN hosting efforts with prudent resource management and the government’s broader focus on pressing national and regional priorities.