Photo 1. Group Photo of the ACE, DOE, and invited Philippine Recognized Training Institutions (RTIs)
The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), in collaboration with the Philippines Department of Energy (DOE), convened a Consultation and Introduction of the Sustainable ASEAN Energy Management Certification Schemes (SAEMAS) on 31 July 2026 at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. The event brought together key representatives from ACE, DOE, and invited Philippine Recognized Training Institutions (RTIs) to discuss the national roll-out and integration of the regional certification framework.
The event commenced with a morning bilateral session between ACE and DOE, focusing on strategic alignment between the SAEMAS framework and the Philippines’ established national energy management policies. A major focus of the morning discussions was the technical alignment between the SAEMAS Common Standard Module (CSM) and existing Philippine qualifications for Certified Energy Managers (CEM) and Certified Energy Auditors (CEA). ACE and the DOE explored streamlined recognition pathways to allow qualified local practitioners to easily gain ASEAN-level certification as Energy Management Professional (EMP) by leveraging their existing practical and professional experience without duplicating effort.
Photo 2. Naing Naing Linn, EE&C Manager at ACE, led the consultation session
The bilateral consultation also laid the foundation for robust governance and quality assurance mechanisms. Discussions covered the DOE's potential role in overseeing examination and certification functions and verification arrangements, distinct from training delivery by the Designated Training Providers (DTPs). To support seamless national implementation, ACE and DOE further explored secure applicant-verification mechanisms through the DOE’s certified professional database, ensuring full compliance with data privacy regulations.
In addition to technical alignment, ACE shared plans to officially launch the SAEMAS during the ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2026 (AEBF-26), held in conjunction with the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (44th AMEM) in October 2026 in Manila, Philippines.
Photo 3. Director Patrick Aquino, Director at DOE Philippines, provided remarks to welcome the participants.
The afternoon SAEMAS Socialisation session invited the Philippine RTIs to learn about the regional certification scheme and the role of DTPs in supporting its delivery. Director Patrick Aquino welcomed the participants and Philippine RTIs, expressing DOE's support for SAEMAS in supporting the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030 and the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.
ACE presented the SAEMAS CSM Handbook, guidelines for EMP applicants, requirements and benefits for prospective DTPs, and proposed support mechanisms and onboarding arrangements. To support effective training delivery without imposing immediate infrastructure barriers, the discussion also emphasised the need to develop a sufficient pool of qualified trainers. ACE and DOE explored a Training of Trainers (ToT) and validation approach to enable eligible Philippine energy managers, auditors, and current trainers to become SAEMAS trainers.
The consultation concluded with a shared commitment to develop a practical, nationally aligned SAEMAS implementation pathway for the Philippines. ACE and DOE will also continue engaging with RTIs to identify prospective DTPs and trainers, assess their qualifications, experience, and preparation needs, and determine a practical training model suited to Philippine conditions.
