President Marcos calls for unified Asian response to energy crisis

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Asian nations to work together in addressing the ongoing energy crisis, emphasizing the importance of a unified response to mitigate supply chain disruptions.

Speaking during the Asian Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus online summit organized by Japan, Marcos highlighted that the scale of the crisis requires collective action across the region.

“What this crisis has confirmed is a structural truth: no single country in Asia can insulate itself from supply chain shocks of this scale by acting alone,” President Marcos said during his intervention at the AZEC summit convened by Japan.

“The times call for a coordinated, unified response. Even as we manage the immediate crisis, the Philippines is moving decisively to strengthen our long-term supply resilience.”

The President noted that the Philippines, an archipelagic nation with a population of around 115 million, remains heavily reliant on imported petroleum to meet the energy needs of its transport sector, industries, healthcare facilities, and households.

He outlined several steps the government is taking to address the situation, including adopting a risk-calibrated procurement approach aimed at diversifying oil sources beyond traditional Middle Eastern routes, as well as revising Minimum Inventory Requirements.

Marcos also cited plans to increase mandatory petroleum reserves from 15 to 30 days, and to expand LPG stockholding requirements from 7 to 21 days.

In addition, the government is fast-tracking the establishment of a domestic Strategic Petroleum Reserve, pushing forward with transport electrification initiatives, strengthening energy efficiency efforts, and raising biofuel blending targets to lessen dependence on imported fuel.

“We cannot wait for the next crisis to act,” President Marcos said. “We must build resilience now, as the urgency of this moment is clear.”

The AZEC initiative, launched by Japan in 2022, brings together Asian countries to collaborate on energy security and sustainability challenges.