As he recognized that the country's demand for energy far exceeds its reliable supply, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. presented measures to increase the Philippines' energy production, and this includes revisiting the construction of nuclear power plants.
Marcos said this during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25.
In his 73-minute speech, the President said the Philippines must look at every possible option that would be appropriate for the country's situation.
"There is some room to expand our present power supply through existing power sources, but this is only to a very limited extent," he said.
"We must build new power plants. We must take advantage of all the best technology that is now available, especially in the areas of renewable energy," he added.
According to Marcos, the country's search for new power sources should always consider improving the mix of the energy supply between traditional and renewable sources.
"The technology of renewable energy is progressing rapidly and many of these technologies are appropriate for the Philippines. We have already begun windmill power. We are now expanding very quickly our solar power production," he said.
"Solar power has steadily increased its efficiency in converting sunlight to electrical power, which is particularly attractive for the Philippines. Because, unlike wind power, solar power is practical almost everywhere in the Philippines all year round," he added.
In the move to lower the carbon footprint caused by energy production, President Marcos said the country's advancement to renewables will have a "lead time" due to natural gas.
"We will provide investment incentives by clarifying the uncertain policy in upstream gas, particularly in the area close to Malampaya. This requires clarification of the processes and review of service contracts policy," he said.
Nuclear energy
President Marcos said it was now time for the country to reconsider nuclear energy. This was also a suggestion of his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
"I believe that it is time also to reexamine our strategy towards building nuclear power plants in the Philippines," he said, earning the applause of his audience.
Marcos said the country will comply with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations for nuclear power plants as they have been strengthened after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.
However, he said the government will require the help of the private sector to realize this plan.
"In the area of nuclear power, there have been new technologies developed that allow smaller scale modular nuclear plants and other derivations thereof," Marcos said.
"Once again, PPPs (public-private partnerships) will play a part in support as funding in this period is limited," he added.
Lowering power rates
According to President Marcos, there is a need to examine the entire system of transmission and distribution to lower the price of energy to the consumer and industry.
"We must expand the network of our transmission lines while examining schemes to improve the operation of our electrical cooperatives. All this in aid of reducing energy cost especially but not limited to households," he said.
He said the availability of cheap and reliable energy is likewise a fundamental requirement for growth and increased employment.
"This even comes under the category of 'ease of doing business.' If we are to attract investors, both local and foreign, to set up shop here in the Philippines," the President said.
Climate change
Meanwhile, Marcos said the country's journey toward development and growth will be within the context of "accelerating climate change and extreme weather conditions."
Though the Philippines is a minor contributor to climate change globally, the President said it has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change.
"For the welfare of our people, it is incumbent upon us to alleviate the effects of that vulnerability," he said.
With this, Marcos said the use of renewable energy is at the top of his administration's climate agenda.
"We will increase our use of renewable energy sources such as hydropower, geothermal power, solar, and wind," he said.