By Helen Castaño | 11:15 PM January 22, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Energy Secretary Sharon Garin on Wednesday, January 22, warmly welcomed delegates of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Senior Officials on Energy during a welcome dinner for the Special Senior Officials’ Meeting on Energy (Special SOME) and associated meetings held in Panglao Island.
Set against Bohol’s coastal backdrop, the reception underscored the Philippines’ commitment to hosting the regional gathering with both purpose and hospitality, fostering collegiality, trust, and a shared resolve toward a secure, sustainable, and resilient energy future for Asean.
The program featured performances by Boholano artists, highlighting local culture and the host community’s pride in supporting a high-level regional event.
Among those present were Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado and Panglao Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay, signaling strong local–national collaboration in support of the Philippines’ 2026 Asean chairship and reinforcing Bohol’s role as a venue for regional cooperation and dialogue.
Delegates expressed appreciation for the warm reception extended by the Department of Energy, in coordination with the Asean 2026 National Organizing Council, noting the careful preparations that set a positive and forward-looking tone for the meetings.
Beyond the formalities, the dinner served as an early platform for strengthening partnerships, emphasizing that Asean energy cooperation is built not only on technical discussions but also on relationships that help accelerate coordination and deliver benefits to communities.
In her remarks, Garin stressed that the priority of the Asean Special SOME is to ensure regional energy initiatives translate into tangible, on-the-ground impact—expanding energy access, protecting consumers from volatility, creating jobs, and strengthening the reliability of energy systems.
Aumentado, for his part, said discussions touched on Bohol’s plans to ensure power sufficiency and the province’s continuing push to expand the use of renewable energy. He also informed Garin of the province’s partnership with the Bohol Island State University (BISU) to identify areas suitable for renewable energy development, including solar and hydroelectric sources.
Garin commended Bohol’s initiatives, noting that the province is among the first to enact an ordinance on renewable energy planning and to establish the Bohol Renewable Energy Board (BREB).
Officials from the provincial Capitol, power distributors, and electric companies in Bohol also attended the event to further strengthen collaboration within the energy sector.
Guests were treated to local cuisine and cultural performances by the Loboc Children’s Choir, Dimiao Children’s Rondalla, Lumad Lobocanon, Lumad Napoanon, Kasing Sining Collective, and vocal performances by Hannah Precillas and Music and Me.
