New DOE Sec. Garin’s 5 Focus Areas

Sharon Garin is the newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), as confirmed by Malacañang.

As the recently installed DOE head, Garin pledged to uphold and advance reforms aimed at ensuring energy security, sustainability, and affordability. Speaking after taking her oath before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Garin emphasized that the initiatives set in motion under former Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla will continue to shape the agency’s direction in the years ahead.

(Also read: DOE to Finalize Grid Plan by September for Renewables Push)

Energy priorities under Garin’s leadership

Garin vowed to build on the strategic reforms set by her predecessor, while fast-tracking key initiatives that will drive the country’s shift toward cleaner and more reliable energy sources.

She stated, “I take on this role at a critical time for our country’s energy future –when we must balance the priorities of energy security, sustainability, and affordability.”

Her agenda includes these areas:

1. Clean energy expansion

One of Secretary Garin’s key priorities is streamlining the country’s shift to clean energy, with a strong focus on scaling up projects under the Green Energy Auction. This competitive bidding scheme continues to boost the Philippines’ renewable capacity, while supporting both urgent energy demands and the broader push for sustainable, inclusive growth.

“These initiatives are aligned not only with our long-term energy goals but also with broader aspirations for inclusive and sustainable national development,” she noted. “As we move ahead, the Department shall continue to promote collaboration, uphold transparency, and pursue innovative and responsive energy solutions to ensure that every Filipino benefits from a reliable, secure, and sustainable energy future.”

2. Electricity rollout

Garin also pledged to intensify nationwide electrification efforts, with a strong emphasis on reaching underserved and remote communities. This initiative supports the government’s broader objective of improving infrastructure and ensuring that reliable electricity becomes accessible to all Filipinos.

3. Improving the investment environment

Because investment is key to accelerating the country’s energy transition, Secretary Garin committed to creating a more attractive environment for private sector participation. She aims to reinforce investor confidence by upholding policies that support long-term stability and encourage funding for energy-related projects.

“The steady growth in renewable energy capacity and the increasing investor confidence in our energy transition framework underscore our collective progress in advancing the President’s policy agenda,” she stressed.

4. Emphasis on public-private collaboration

Both public and private sectors will play a central role in advancing the country’s energy goals, Garin said, as she underscored the importance of deepening collaboration. She highlighted plans to build on current partnerships and open new avenues for joint efforts in driving energy sector progress.

The secretary reaffirmed the department’s dedication to maintaining policy consistency and advancing the reform initiatives set in motion by the previous administration. She assured stakeholders from both the public and private sectors that the DOE will stay the course in pursuing long-term strategies critical to the sector’s growth and stability.

5. Reinforcing grid resilience

The department is prioritizing efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage energy supply disruptions and ensure consistent, reliable power nationwide. Garin also mentioned the DOE’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, transparency, and the pursuit of innovative solutions—all aimed at delivering a secure and sustainable energy future for every Filipino.

(Also read: Marcos to Agencies: Power Up Schools with Steady Electricity, Internet)

About the new energy chief

Garin brings a solid foundation in law, accountancy, and public service to her role, having previously served multiple terms as Iloilo representative and later as a DOE undersecretary. Her deep expertise in energy legislation and policymaking positions her well to champion accessible and reliable energy for the country.

Garin stepped into the role of energy chief following the appointment of Raphael Lotilla to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The leadership reshuffle came in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for all Cabinet members to tender their courtesy resignations.

Sources:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1254233

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2080630/palace-appoints-sharon-garin-as-energy-secretary

https://pia.gov.ph/incoming-doe-secretary-garin-vows-energy-continuity-security/