The Philippines and Japan are joining forces in a landmark initiative called Energy Partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). This collaboration marks a significant step toward a secure and sustainable energy future for both nations, underscored by a shared commitment to a cleaner, more resilient energy future for the region.
Grounded in shared values and a commitment to ambitious climate action, the MoC aligns with the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) principles, emphasizing the need for diverse energy options and tailored transition pathways for each country. AZEC, a regional initiative promoting cooperation towards achieving net-zero emissions in Asia, recognizes that diverse pathways are necessary to achieve carbon neutrality based on each country’s unique circumstances. This partnership directly contributes to AZEC’s vision by fostering collaboration and innovation to accelerate the energy transition in both the Philippines and Japan.
Signed on 17 October 2025 at the sidelines of the 3rd AZEC Ministerial Meeting, immediately following the conclusion of the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting and its associated meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and Japanese Minister Muto Yoji, this partnership harnesses the strengths of both countries to address critical energy and environmental challenges. The signing was witnessed by the Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia, H. E. Maria Angela A. Ponce, with the Chancery facilitating the process through final review and preparation of the document.
This Energy Partnership promises transformative benefits across multiple dimensions. By diversifying energy sources and embracing innovative technologies, the Philippines and Japan seek to enhance energy resilience and security, support low-carbon development, and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts under the Paris Agreement.
The MoC will also promote the exchange of technological expertise and best practices from Japan to the Philippines, encouraging clean-energy investment and support skills development in emerging energy industries, driving economic transformation and enhancing competitiveness in both nations. Ultimately, this partnership not only addresses critical energy and environmental challenges but also deepens bilateral relations, fostering mutual trust and cooperation.
The partnership will encompass capacity building, knowledge exchange, collaborative pilot projects, and policy dialogue, covering key areas such as renewable energy, grid integration, energy storage, hydrogen, ammonia, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). METI has committed to comprehensively supporting the Philippines’ energy transition through the Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI).
The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) for Japan and the Energy Policy and Planning Bureau (EPPB) for the Philippines will serve as the primary focal points for implementation. The cooperation will commence immediately and continue for four years, subject to extension by mutual consent.
“This partnership with Japan is a long-term investment in a sustainable future,” said Energy Secretary Garin. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and building a resilient energy sector that will power our economies for decades to come. This is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating jobs, fostering innovation, and improving the quality of life for our citizens.
A sustainable energy sector is a foundation for a thriving economy and a healthy society.” Building upon a long-standing bilateral relationship, the MoC establishes a robust framework for collaborative action and tangible results, reflecting a shared vision for a secure, sustainable, and prosperous energy future for both nations and the broader region.
