The Department of Energy (DOE) appointed Mandy Romero, a 25-year-old solar energy entrepreneur and policy advocate, as its newest assistant secretary, the youngest executive to hold the post in the agency’s history.

Romero’s appointment, formalized by an oath taken before Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin on Tuesday, Dec. 2, is seen as signal of the DOE’s commitment to accelerating the country’s clean energy transition.

Garin’s tenure has been characterized by effective, rapid infrastructure restoration following severe weather events and an aggressive national mandate to promote inclusive and renewable power sources.

Romero brings direct industry experience to the executive branch, having founded Capital1 Solar Energy, a firm specializing in the development of industrial-scale solar power plants across the archipelago.

Her policy background includes serving as the Philippine youth representative to the United Nations, where she leveraged the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women podium in New York to call for policies addressing rural electrification and zero-poverty reforms.

A magna cum laude graduate who ranked first in her program at Georgetown University, Romero is also publicly known as an advocate for women’s sports, supporting the Capital1 Solar Spikers volleyball team in the PVL.

Following the ceremony, Romero affirmed her commitment to the agency’s mandate.

“Serving our country is the greatest honor of my life. I’m inspired to work alongside the dedicated and passionate public servants of the DOE,” she said.

The appointment is effective immediately as the DOE continues its push for private sector investment in renewable capacity.

As newly appointed assistant secretary, she will take over the public affairs office (PAO), legislative liaison office, investment promotion office, and consumer welfare and promotion office.

Romero shared that the DOE operates under a whole-of-agency work system, with multiple task forces and initiatives in place.