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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines, Slovenia push for long-term energy partnership through science and innovation

Philippines, Slovenia push for long-term energy partnership through science and innovation

Published Apr 21, 2026 05:08 pm
The Philippines and Slovenia are strengthening efforts to build a long-term partnership in energy security, leveraging science, technology, and innovation to develop resilient and cost-effective energy systems.
The initiative was highlighted during the “Science2Business: Energy Resilience for Enhanced Security” conference held on Tuesday, April 21, at the Manila Polo Club.
Stratbase COO Rupert Paul Manhit (left) highlights Slovenia as a model for government–academe–private sector collaboration in advancing energy resilience, while Slovenian Ambassador Smiljana Knez (right) affirms Ljubljana’s readiness to partner with the Philippines on technology transfer, academic exchange, and public-private initiatives. (Photos courtesy of Stratbase)
Stratbase COO Rupert Paul Manhit (left) highlights Slovenia as a model for government–academe–private sector collaboration in advancing energy resilience, while Slovenian Ambassador Smiljana Knez (right) affirms Ljubljana’s readiness to partner with the Philippines on technology transfer, academic exchange, and public-private initiatives. (Photos courtesy of Stratbase)
Officials from both countries emphasized the importance of translating research into real-world energy solutions through a science-to-business (S2B) framework.
The event was organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute in partnership with the Embassy of Slovenia in the Philippines, marking a key step in expanding Slovenia’s engagement in Southeast Asia.
Science-driven energy resilience
Stratbase Chief Operating Officer (COO) Rupert Paul Manhit pointed to Slovenia as a model for integrating government, private sector, and civil society efforts, supported by advanced research and innovation.
Manhit said such an approach is crucial as the Philippines positions itself as a regional hub for renewable energy and green metals.
“We are entering this period with important advantages,” he said. “We have in place the right policy direction, with stronger support for renewable energy, infrastructure development, and digital transformation,” he added.
Slovenian Ambassador Smiljana Knez affirmed the readiness of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, to deepen cooperation through technology transfer, academic exchanges, and public-private partnerships.
She stressed that improving energy efficiency is not only an economic goal but also a matter of national security, helping reduce costs while addressing climate risks.
‘Quadruple-helix’ collaboration
In her keynote address, Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said innovation must follow a “quadruple-helix” model—linking government, academia, industry, and communities—to effectively address overlapping global threats.
“This threat convergence requires countries such as the Philippines to continuously reexamine development and security priorities to ensure stability and resilience through food, energy, and water security,” Yulo-Loyzaga said.
Meanwhile, Slovenia’s Minister for Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Igor Papič, highlighted his country’s sustained investments in research, emphasizing that energy resilience amid geopolitical disruptions is central to national security and sustainable development.
“The transfer of this knowledge into practice, especially into the economy, is essential for the development and prosperity of our country,” Papič said. “This government is fully aware of that, which is why we have made significant investments in both knowledge and its application,” he added.
Philippines ramps up clean energy R&D
For his part, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum underscored the urgency of diversifying the Philippines’ energy mix.
While noting that the country’s power sector remains relatively insulated from global energy shocks, he said other sectors—particularly transport—continue to feel the impact.
Since 2011, the DOST has funded 71 projects worth P652 million focused on solar, wind, ocean, and waste-to-energy technologies.
“Reinforcing our resilience to climate and disaster threats is no longer optional—it is a necessity,” Solidum said. “We anticipate collaboration and solutions for both countries to prosper,” he added.
Both countries signaled that deeper science-to-industry cooperation could unlock scalable energy solutions, strengthen national security, and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy systems—positioning the Philippines and Slovenia as strategic partners in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape. 

Related Tags

Philippines Slovenia energy partnership energy resilience Philippines renewable energy collaboration science to business S2B DOST energy projects Slovenia Philippines cooperation green energy Philippines
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