Photo 1. All Participants of the AEO9 Country Visit to The Philippines.
As part of the development process for the 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO9), the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) conducted a country visit to The Philippines on 19 February 2026 in Manila. This visit is one of a series of in-depth consultations being conducted across all eleven ASEAN Member States between January and March 2025, with the goal of fine-tuning modelling inputs, verifying key assumptions, and ensuring greater alignment between each country's national priorities and the broader regional energy analysis. The AEO9 Country Visits are supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the ASEAN-UK Green Transition Fund (GTF).
Photo 2. Welcoming remarks from the Host Country.
The programme began with welcoming remarks from Felix William B. Fuentebella, Undersecretary for Policy and Planning, Department of Energy and Senior Officials of Energy (SOE) Leader of the Philippines. In his remarks, he welcomed ACE delegation and emphasised the country’s continued support for the development of ASEAN Energy Outlook. The Philippines also highlighted its aspiration to strengthen energy security through the enhancement of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), including potential connectivity from Borneo. In addition, the country underscored the importance of developing sufficient manpower to support the future energy workforce.
Photo 3. AEO9 Progress Updates led by Yudiandra Yuwono, Senior Energy Modeller at ACE
The session was continued with remarks from ACE and technical session featured an AEO9 progress update presented by Yudiandra Yuwono, Senior Energy Modeller at ACE. He provided an overview of the AEO9 development timeline, its modelling framework, and the critical role that high-quality national data plays in enhancing the accuracy and relevance of the projections. The presentation further emphasized the country's visits as a pivotal milestone in fostering strong national ownership over the AEO9 outcomes.
Photo 4. Data Inputs and Assumptions for Model led by Silvira Ayu Rosalia, Energy Statician of MPP and Fadel Maulana, Data Officer of MPP at ASEAN Centre for Energy
Following this, Silvira Ayu Rosalia, Energy Statistician of Modelling and Policy Planning (MPP) at ACE, together with Fadel Maulana, Research Associate of MPP, a detailed consultation was conducted on data inputs and modelling assumptions, covering a range of topics including socio-economic indicators, policy frameworks, energy balance tables, sectoral energy demand, and supply and transformation data. The session aimed to validate existing datasets, clarify methodological approaches, and pinpoint any data gaps or areas requiring updates. It also fostered cross-sectoral dialogue among representatives from energy agencies, utilities, and other relevant institutions, ensuring that comprehensive and consistent national inputs are contributed to AEO9.
In the afternoon, Lazuwardi Imani, Energy Modeller of MPP at ACE, presented the initial findings of the Baseline Scenario (BAS) and the AMS Target Scenario (ATS) for the Philippines. The session offered national stakeholders the chance to review preliminary projections on energy demand, supply, and transformation, while also discussing how current and planned policies are incorporated into the modelling. Participants provided feedback on sectoral trends, technology adoption, and policy implementation timelines, contributing to a more accurate reflection of the Philippines' energy landscape in the country-level results.
The following session centred on discussions around the Regional Aspiration Scenario (RAS), with ACE presenting its proposed definition and modelling approach, that represents a more ambitious regional pathway aligned with ASEAN's long-term decarbonisation and sustainability objectives. Through an interactive exchange, Brunei's representatives identified potential policy levers, technology options, and areas for intervention that could support higher levels of ambition. The insights gathered will feed into the calibration of the RAS and enhance its relevance to national contexts.
Photo 5. Yudiandra Yuwono, Senior Energy Modeller of MPP at ACE, present AEO8 report to the host country
The visit concluded with a Way Forward and Closing session delivered by Yudiandra Yuwono. He conveyed his gratitude to the Philippines' focal points and participating institutions for their active engagement and valuable technical contributions, noting that the feedback collected would directly inform the refinement of country-level results and the design of the RAS. He also walked through the next steps in the AEO9 process, highlighting upcoming technical engagements and ongoing coordination with AMS to ensure transparency and shared ownership of the final outputs. Beyond data validation, the visit served as an opportunity for knowledge exchange on scenario development, energy planning, and inclusive transition pathways, reaffirming ASEAN's collective commitment to a secure, resilient, and sustainable energy future.
