NGAP Board of Trustees Pays Courtesy Visit to DOE Leadership to Discuss Current Status of Geothermal Energy Development in the Philippines
The Board of Trustees of the National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP) paid a courtesy last November visit to the leadership of the Department of Energy (DOE) to strengthen collaboration and align efforts in advancing geothermal energy development in the country.
During the meeting, the NGAP Board engaged in constructive dialogue with Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, along with key officials from the Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), led by Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra and REMB Director Marissa Cerezo . The discussions centered on the current status of geothermal development in the Philippines, the national roadmap for renewable energy, and the major challenges facing the sector.
- Current state of geothermal capacity and resource utilization across the archipelago;
- Ongoing and upcoming projects under the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (REPS);
- Policy and regulatory frameworks that support (or hinder) geothermal exploration and development;
- Investment and financing hurdles in the pre-development phase;
- And the role of emerging technologies and innovations in enhancing geothermal efficiency and sustainability.
DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla (and Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra and REMB Director Marissa Cerezo) – Nov ‘24
Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to maximizing the country’s vast geothermal potential as a cornerstone of clean, reliable, and indigenous energy. The DOE expressed support for initiatives that can fast-track geothermal exploration, encourage public-private partnerships, and streamline permitting processes.
The NGAP Board emphasized its role in fostering technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for a robust geothermal sector. The organization expressed its intent to support the DOE in policy development, technical consultations, and capacity-building efforts moving forward.
This courtesy visit marks a renewed spirit of collaboration between the government and the geothermal community, recognizing geothermal energy’s critical role in meeting the Philippines’ long-term renewable energy goals and achieving energy security and sustainability.