October 22, 2025 — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) are exploring the creation of a specialized academic program that will equip Filipino professionals with advanced competencies in energy governance, regulation, and finance.

In an exploratory meeting, DAP and UPLB officials discussed the design of a program that will strengthen the country’s leadership and technical capacity in the energy sector—an area critical to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Building on the Master in Public Management (MPM) framework, the proposed specialization aims to respond to emerging challenges in the energy landscape and may pave the way for a dedicated MPM track in Energy Governance. DAP Graduate School Dean Dr. Lizan E. Perante-Calina shared that this initiative could also reinvigorate ongoing discussions with the Department of Energy (DOE) to institutionalize a full-fledged energy-focused MPM program.

DAP Acting President Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian underscored the importance of making the program accessible to a wide range of professionals.

“By offering modular and micro-credential formats, we can reach both public and private sector professionals who play key roles in shaping the country’s energy future,” Dr. Sebastian said.

Representing UPLB’s Department of Economics, Prof. Emmanuel Genesis T. Andal, PhD, and Prof. Guido Alfredo A. Delgado emphasized the multidisciplinary nature of the proposed curriculum.

“The study of energy consists of different disciplines to fully grasp its entirety. This proposed curriculum goes into the science, math, and the economics behind energy,” Prof. Delgado noted.

As discussions move forward, DAP and UPLB will continue to refine the program in collaboration with key partners, aligning it with the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028—particularly in promoting reliable, affordable, and clean energy as a driver of national progress and resilience.