‘ASEAN cooperation needed to achieve energy security’

MANILA, Philippines — Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has emphasized the need for regional cooperation to attain energy security in the Southeast Asian region.

As leaders and ministers gather in Cebu for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, Garin called for a collective response in confronting the energy shock.

“Almost all of us here in ASEAN – especially in ASEAN – are the most affected by the Middle East crisis, and our meetings with the energy ministries in ASEAN wrapped up weeks ago. Countries, especially the Philippines, push for regional cooperation,” Garin told radio dzBB on Thursday.

The bloc, the energy chief said, is pushing for regional stockpiling in preparation for future shocks.

“We should have in the future, for energy security, a reserve in our region to help each other.We should have a supply stocked or stored (in case) the problem in the Middle East or in other parts of the world happen again,” she stressed.

Another measure, Garin explained, is connecting electricity grids among member states.

“We can transfer and sell electricity to each other. We’re discussing a lot and hopefully, they can include that in the agenda,” she said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations is supporting the Philippines to strengthen its energy security and accelerate energy transition, according to a new analysis published by the UN in the Philippines. – Pia Lee-Brago