The new museum highlights the country’s push to strengthen public understanding of the country’s energy transition and future energy security.
On Wednesday, July 29, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the inauguration of the Philippines’ first Energy Museum at the Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The said inauguration coincided with the 25th Anniversary of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), enacted in 2001, which introduced competition and privatized state energy assets.
The said museum serves as an interactive learning facility designed for students, educators, researchers, families, and the public to better understand how electricity is generated, transmitted, distributed, and used.
It also highlights the role of indigenous and cleaner energy sources in supporting the country’s long-term energy security and sustainable development, as per the government.
There, he explored the museum’s interactive exhibits that include the evolution of energy that charts the humanity’s first use of fire all the way to modern renewable and nuclear technologies. There is also the Philippine Energy Map, which showcases the country’s diverse energy resources.
Some of the exhibits there also include hydroelectric power, the Malampaya natural gas project, the National Power Corporation’s dam and electrification legacy, smart home technologies, wind energy, geothermal power, solar energy, hydropower.
There is also a Learning Hub, where visitors can experience scientific tools used in energy exploration and research.
In her remarks, Secretary Sharon Garin said that the Energy Museum marks the beginning of the DOE’s vision to develop an Energy Center for Excellence to promote learning, research, and innovation in the energy sector.
“The Energy Museum is the first milestone of the DOE’s vision to become a gateway of energy, learning, research and development, and academic excellence,” she said. “It will inspire young Filipinos to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, geologists, economists, and leaders who will shape our country’s energy future.”
Furthermore, she also took note of Marcos’ marching orders to lower electricity prices and said, “We understand the marching orders. Kailangang pababaan ang presyo ng electricity. And that is the commitment of the Department of Energy and our family: to keep working, keep improving, and keep finding better ways to power the lives of every Filipino.”
Meanwhile, in his speech, the President reiterated his call during his State of the Nation Address on Monday (July 27) to lower the cost of electricity.
“During my recent State of the Nation Address last Monday, I asked Congress to amend the EPIRA to remove the charging of system loss to consumers, including the corresponding value-added tax,” he said. “It is only fair that Filipino families pay only for the electricity they use—not for inefficiencies beyond their control.”
On the museum, he noted that it is a place where “every Filipino can understand better the vital role that energy plays in our daily lives.“
He also said that the museum also serves as an investment in the country’s future workforce by inspiring students to pursue careers in the energy sector and said, “This could be you. The future of Philippine energy will be built by the students who will visit or stand in this museum.”
At the same event, President Marcos underscored the gains achieved under EPIRA over the past 25 years, saying the law opened the power generation sector to private investments, expanded electricity generation capacity, and fostered a competitive market that supports the growth of renewable energy.
At present, renewable energy now accounts for 25 percent of the country’s power supply.
“Binubulungan ko si Sec. Sharon (Garin), ‘talaga ba na maaabot ba natin ‘yan?’ She seems very confident (that it can be reached),” he quipped.
Furthermore, he akso encouraged the public to actively participate in the government’s Oras Natin sa Efficiency (ONE) campaign by the Department of Energy (DOE) and adopt simple energy-saving practices to help strengthen the country’s energy security.
ONE is a nationwide advocacy campaign that promotes a coordinated weekly energy reduction window every Saturday, from 8:00 to 9:00 pm, or during a one-hour identified period and asks participants switch off non-essential lights and reduce unnecessary electricity use.
“We encourage every Filipino to take part in the Oras Natin sa Efficiency campaign. Help us conserve electricity, switch off non-essential lights, unplug unused appliances,” the President said.
According to President Marcos, ensuring the country’s energy security is a shared responsibility and told the public to use energy resources wisely, observe conservation measures, and support reforms in the energy sector.
“Moving forward, may this milestone remind us that energy security is a shared responsibility. Let us continue to use our resources wisely, follow energy conservation measures, and support meaningful reforms,” he added.
The President also took note that following the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East in March, all government agencies were directed to reduce their actual electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent.
