Puerto Princesa City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has culminated its two-year “Mainstreaming Energy Efficiency in MSMEs Buildings in the Philippines” project with the Investors’ Roadshow in Palawan on May 21. This capstone event was designed to translate technical groundwork into actionable opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to reduce energy costs and boost competitiveness.

Implemented from July 2023 to July 2025, the project was funded by the BIMP-EAGA Korea Cooperation Fund and executed in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). During the roadshow, the DTI and its developmental partners presented the project’s major achievements and shared key findings from comprehensive energy audits and technical assessments.

DTI Assistant Secretary Kristian R. Ablan delivers a speech at the podium during the Palawan Investors' Roadshow, with Philippine flags in the background and an audience in the foreground, highlighting the culmination of the energy efficiency project for MSMEs.

“Over the past months, we have conducted in-depth energy audits, engaged with MSMEs on the ground, and developed investment-ready proposals. What we discovered is both promising and powerful: with the right support, our MSMEs can significantly reduce their energy consumption, lower operational costs, and become more sustainable—all while boosting productivity and profitability,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Kristian R. Ablan.

A key accomplishment of the project was the completion of energy audits for 10 MSMEs—three in Palawan and seven in Mindanao. These audits identified crucial areas for businesses to reduce energy consumption and operational costs.

Presenting the audit results, Deloitte Associate Director Nitish Kumar highlighted the potential annual savings of 121,311 kWh in energy use, PHP 10.04 million in costs, and 80.2 tCO₂e in emissions—equivalent to planting over 3,600 trees. These benefits could be achieved with an estimated investment of PHP 26.7 million, with a projected payback period of two to three years.

The audits recommended several energy-saving measures, including upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, installing solar photovoltaic and water heating systems, insulating kilns and piping, using Phase Change Materials for cold storage, adopting LED and daylighting systems, and implementing energy monitoring tools and internal efficiency policies.

To support the adoption of these measures, the DTI facilitates the development of business plans to help MSMEs secure financing from development institutions and private investors.

These efforts build on the GGGI’s policy mapping and gap analysis, which revealed that while existing laws—such as RA 7638, RA 9513, RA 11285, and the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program—promote energy efficiency (EE), they lack provisions related to MSMEs within the Philippine Energy Plan and AmBisyon Natin 2040.

Panel speakers wearing formal attire and ceremonial ribbons during the Palawan Investors' Roadshow, seated on stage with a backdrop featuring the NIP flag and a presentation screen, highlighting discussions on energy efficiency for MSMEs.

As part of the Palawan leg of the Investors’ Roadshow, the DTI also organized a Technology Showcase and a panel discussion. These segments aimed to broaden the adoption of EE practices by engaging more MSMEs and generating greater interest in sustainable business solutions.

The initiative is further designed to mobilize support from key enablers across the government, private sector, and technology providers, building a coordinated and long-term push for green transformation.

The roadshow underscores the DTI’s commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable economies under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision. By integrating policy development, technical expertise, and investment mobilization, the effort sets a strong pattern for accelerating the energy transition across the MSME sector nationwide. ♦

Date of Release: 23 May 2025

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