Alabang, Muntinlupa City—The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Graduate School of Public and Development Management (GSPDM), served as a session organizer at the International Conference on Energy and Environmental Economics (ENERCON) 2025, themed “Strengthening Economic Resilience through Sustainable Energy and Environmental Strategies.”
During the conference, DAP led a key session titled “Energy Transition, Institutional Pathways, and Structural Transformation,” designed to foster dialogue on environmental policy, sustainable energy adoption, and pathways toward inclusive development. The session was moderated by Prof. Guido Alfredo A. Delgado and featured presentations from DAP Fellows and Projects Officers covering topics such as nuclear innovation, natural gas adoption, the salt production industry, and smart city governance.
Shaping sustainable development through research and dialogue
DAP Fellow Dr. Chester B. Cabalza opened the session with his presentation, “Energy Security: A Shift from Traditional Nuclear Power Plant to Small Modular Reactors.” He emphasized the strategic role of small modular reactors (SMRs) in enhancing national energy security, reducing import dependence, and improving reliability of the power grid.
GSPDM Associate Project Officer I Shirwood M. Faigmane followed with the presentation of “InSALTfficiency: The Specter of Philippine Salt Production Industry Decline and Ways Forward,” authored by Dr. Madlyn D. Tingco et al. The study used futures thinking to assess industry challenges and proposed strategic interventions such as investment incentives, regulatory reform, and market diversification for revitalizing the Philippine salt industry.
DAP Technical and Research Associate Brian Jason H. Ponce then presented “Fueling the Transition: The Infrastructure and Retrofitting Hurdles to Natural Gas Uptake” co-authored with Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago et al. The study examined adoption trends and constraints in natural gas transition, highlighting the importance of infrastructure access and cost efficiency in supporting cleaner industrial processes.
The final presentation, “An Assessment of the Smart City Approach in the Content of Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines,” was delivered by GSPDM Project Officer Manuel C. Santos Jr., based on a study by Dr. Enrico L. Basilio et al. The discussion emphasized integrating data-driven planning, digital governance, and people-centered approaches to advance sustainable and resilient urban development.
Prof. Delgado concluded the session by synthesizing the shared vision among the presenters: to promote resilience, inclusivity, and structural transformation across sectors. He noted that the collective goal of strengthening institutions, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainability directly aligns with the broader objectives of ENERCON 2025.
DAP’s commitment to a sustainable future for the Philippines
The ENERCON 2025, held from September 25-26, 2025, is a triennial conference hosted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Economics and Management. The event convened scholars, experts, and policymakers to advance energy and environmental research and promote evidence-based policymaking.
Through its participation, the DAP showcased its research outputs and innovations, strengthened partnerships with local and international experts and policy advocates, and reinforced its role in promoting sustainability, environmental stewardship, and governance reform.
By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and advancing research on renewable energy, waste-to-energy systems, ecotourism, and climate change adaptation, DAP remains steadfast in its commitment to thought leadership in energy transition, sustainability, and institutional reform–all in pursuit of a sustainable and resilient future for the Philippines.