The Philippine energy sector stands at a defining moment. With the passage of the Natural Gas Industry Development Act (RA 12120), the country signals a decisive step toward strengthening energy security while remaining aligned with its long-term vision for sustainable, low-carbon, and clean energy development.
Against this backdrop, the 5th Philippine Natural Gas Investment Summit (PNGIS) convened at a critical time for the industry. Now in its fifth year, PNGIS continues to serve as the country’s leading national platform for informed, high-level dialogue on natural gas and its evolving role within the Philippines’ broader energy transition.
This year’s theme, “A Nation in Transition: Navigating the Philippines’ Natural Gas Industry Development in the Age of Renewables,” reflects the complex balancing act facing policymakers, investors, and industry leaders. As renewable energy capacity accelerates and regulatory frameworks evolve, natural gas remains a central point of debate—positioned by some as a stabilizing bridge fuel, and questioned by others in light of long-term decarbonization targets.
The Summit brought together policymakers, investors, industry leaders, and civil society for candid, grounded conversations on the real trade-offs shaping the Philippines’ energy future—moving beyond slogans and into substance.
Through keynote addresses and in-depth panel discussions, participants examined not only the opportunities created by RA 12120, but also the difficult policy, investment, and governance questions that will define the country’s energy system for decades.
Enabling Energy Security and Long-Term Low-Carbon Development
The first panel, moderated by Ping Manongdo, Founder of Nexus Sustainability and joined by Ron Heffron, Vice President of LNG & Future Fuels and Dr. Rose Mendoza, Acting Director of the Resource-Based Industries Service, DTI Board of Investments, addressed how the Philippines can meet growing energy demand without locking itself into long-term fossil fuel dependence.
Panelists debated whether natural gas can genuinely function as a transition fuel under the framework of RA 12120 and the country’s renewable energy targets. The discussion underscored how today’s regulatory and investment decisions will shape infrastructure pathways, emissions trajectories, and energy affordability for years to come.
Rebalancing Investments—Navigating Uncertainty and Complexity
The second panel, moderated by Smith Lim, Partner, Energy Sector Leader SGV-EY Philippines and joined by USec. Catherine Fong, Privatization and Partnerships Group, Department of Finance and Isabella Suarez, Principal Analyst & Engagement Lead, TransitionZero, focused on investor confidence in an increasingly complex landscape.
The speakers discussed regulatory overlap, the risk of stranded assets, and the rising cost of capital for both gas and clean energy projects. The session emphasized the need for policy coherence, smarter governance, technological innovation, and the meaningful inclusion of local governments and communities in energy planning. In a rapidly shifting environment, clarity and coordination were identified as critical to unlocking responsible investment.
Driving Decarbonization—Pathways to a Smarter, Inclusive Transition
The final panel explored how decarbonization unfolds in practice. Discussions were moderated by Harris Guevarra, President & CEO of Drink, Basecheck, and Next Move and joined by Engr. Ava Taniajura, Managing Director from The British Standards Institution – Philippines and Engr. Principal Strategist – Energy Transition (Philippines) of Forum for the Future.
They highlighted the role of private sector leadership, credible standards and assurance mechanisms, inclusive financing models, and long-term systems thinking. Panelists emphasized equity, flexibility, and transparency as essential elements of a just and effective transition particularly as the Philippines charts its path toward net zero.
The final panel explored how decarbonization unfolds in practice. Discussions were moderated by Harris Guevarra, President & CEO of Drink, Basecheck, and Next Move and joined by Engr. Ava Taniajura, Managing Director from The British Standards Institution – Philippines and Engr. Principal Strategist – Energy Transition (Philippines) of Forum for the Future.
They highlighted the role of private sector leadership, credible standards and assurance mechanisms, inclusive financing models, and long-term systems thinking. Panelists emphasized equity, flexibility, and transparency as essential elements of a just and effective transition particularly as the Philippines charts its path toward net zero.
The 5th Philippine Natural Gas Investment Summit was proudly hosted by Next Move, together with Nexus and PCM-Asia. At Next Move, our goal is to be a sustainability activation company that brings the right people into the room, surfaces difficult but necessary conversations, and helps turn dialogue into meaningful action.
Look through more 5th PNGIS highlights in photos.
