The country's offshore wind industry is just lifting off, but its massive potential is already making waves – and it is poised to redefine the Philippines’ energy future.
Reaching the first megawatt of offshore wind power demands more than just ambition—it demands seamless alignment of every moving part, from robust port facilities as well as other supply chain components that will anchor the commercial development of government-awarded projects.
Tribute to industry’s ’navigator’ of change
In every groundbreaking industry, there are individuals who see beyond the horizon, envisioning not just what is possible but what must be done to make the future a reality – and the bold captain who charted the course for port support facilities was Raymund “Mon” M. Pascual, former Country Manager of Spanish firm Philippine subsidiary BlueFloat - rallying key stakeholders to solidify this critical backbone of offshore wind development, thus, that led to the birth of Pilipinas Offshore Wind Energy Resource Inc. (POWER), which now serves as a significant pillar underpinning the industry's project development efforts.]
But before Mon could witness the full realization of his unyielding vision for the offshore wind industry, his journey was suddenly cut short in April last year— leaving behind a legacy so profound that the industry now stands united in honoring and continuing the trail he blazed.
To recognize the lasting impact of Mon Pascual’s pioneering work, Bluefloat Energy, in partnership with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and the Wind Energy Developers Association of the Philippines (WEDAP), held the inaugural Raymund Pascual Offshore Wind Awards last December— celebrating deserving changemakers and forward-thinkers across media, law, consultancy, banking, and business development; as well as key institutional movers like the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, Board of Investments, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. And the final and most emotional tribute was reserved for Mon’s family - with his wife Tes and their children accepting the honor on behalf of the man whose vision continues to shape the future of offshore wind energy in the country.
Armando Gamboa Jr., President of POWER and Country Manager of BlueFloat Philippines, clearly stated that the Raymund Pascual Awards isn’t just about recognition - it’s about celebrating the people and organizations carrying forward his mission.; emphasizing that the awardees embody the same relentless dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit that Raymund championed throughout his career; adding, that “they are the torchbearers of the offshore wind industry, and their work is a testament to the lasting impact of Raymund’s vision.”
He also didn’t mince words when he said that Raymund’s passion for offshore wind was nothing short of transformative, qualifying that “he understood early on the potential of offshore wind to power a sustainable future, and it was through his leadership that we began to see not just a new industry emerge but a movement that would change the energy landscape forever,” noting further that his “dedication to advancing offshore wind technology, policy, and collaboration continues to guide us, and his legacy is evident in the rapid growth of this sector.”
BlueFloat Energy CEO Carlos Martin Rivals declared that the Raymund Pascual Offshore Wind Awards will not just be a one-time tribute but an annual fixture in the country’s offshore wind landscape—primarily aimed at “symbolizing (Mon’s) enduring legacy and aspiration;” and for this to become a significant event in the Philippines renewable energy calendar.
He qualified that Raymund’s mantra was always rooted in ‘collaboration’ - a principle that must remain the driving force as the industry moves ahead. It’s this unified approach that will turn the offshore wind sector’s grand aspirations into real and measurable megawatts that will then power a country’s future built on the collective strength of industry.
Mon’s son Franco, who delivered the acceptance speech on behalf of his family, endearingly narrated that during his dad’s time working in the offshore wind industry, “my father displayed a zeal and passion that was unprecedented. He carried this fire wherever he went, crafting solutions for unforeseen problems and mapping out a strategy for the unknown future.”
Franco went on to reveal that his father’s enthusiasm for the offshore wind industry had been concretized by “empowering many to work towards a renewable energy portfolio and a more sustainable future for this country” – to the extent of making competitors as partners in POWER, instead of treating them as industry rivals.
Drawing from his perspective as part of the younger generation, Franco also passionately asserted that: “it is my hope that this industry keeps the fire burning. We look forward to a sustainable future for this country- one where our lives are powered by clean and renewable energy sources, such as the windmill which my father was once very passionate about.”
His father may have been gone, but Mon’s legacy isn’t just some fading memory because he did not only set the stage to help the industry thrive, but he also inspired the younger generation to wake up and realize the clean energy future they deserve.
Truly, the legacy of the this ‘captain’ of the ship will forever be spinning for the industry— and will serve as an unshakable force that will push it forward, undeterred by any headwinds that would dare to challenge it.
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