Marcos: PH committed to advance clean energy, nuclear safety, global sustainability

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday underscored the Philippines’ initiatives advancing clean energy as he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to renewable energy expansion, nuclear safety, and science-driven sustainability.

He made the remarks at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), particularly during his keynote address at the ASDW dialogue “Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure.”

Marcos – who is in Abu Dhabi for a two-day working visit – cited the government’s policy reforms, international partnerships, and landmark investments to accelerate the country’s clean energy transition and strengthen its role in global climate action.

He said the Philippines is ready to work with the international community and civil society “to realize a brand of development that is impactful, scalable, and inclusive.”

In particular, he detailed initiatives to boost renewable energy development, including fiscal incentives, streamlined regulations, and innovative financing mechanisms such as Green Bonds and the Renewable Energy Trust Fund.

He also cited the signing of Republic Act 12305 or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, which established the country’s comprehensive framework for the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology.

“This provides a stable and predictable environment for scientists and industries to innovate safely and responsibly. It also signals the Philippines’ readiness to deepen science-driven cooperation with global partners,” the President said.

He also noted the Philippines’ growing role in science-based solutions such as its hosting of the world’s first International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) High-Level Forum on Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution, which advanced public-private partnerships and innovation for circular and sustainable technologies.

He said the Philippines’ active participation in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi in January last year as proof of the government’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable technology.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive said the country solidified a transformative partnership with the UAE in the global drive toward sustainability during last year’s ADSW.

Through landmark agreements with Masdar, the UAE’s flagship renewable energy company, the Philippines secured commitments to develop up to 10 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity backed by $15 billion worth of investments.

These projects are expected to diversify the country’s energy mix, strengthen energy security, create green jobs, and accelerate technology transfer.

Looking forward, Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ upcoming chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together” and said technology and sustainability will be central to the country’s regional leadership agenda.

“I assure everyone that we will promote a people-centered and future-ready ASEAN, with strengthened cooperation on climate resilience, digital transformation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence,” the President said.

“I look forward to your support in realizing a vision of an ASEAN that is agile, inclusive, and capable of contributing meaningfully to global solutions,” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News