SINGAPORE—The PNOC joined energy leaders from across Southeast Asia at the 9th ASCOPE Mid-Year Task Force Meeting held from April 23 to 25, 2025. Hosted by state-owned Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd., the meeting convened delegates from ASEAN member states—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—to align regional energy priorities, review progress, and strengthen cooperation in the energy sector.
Representing the Philippines, the delegation was led by PNOC President and CEO Oliver B. Butalid and included senior officials from various departments. The team engaged in a series of meetings and high-level discussions that focused on clean energy collaboration, liquefied natural gas (LNG) development, cross-border energy initiatives, and capability-building programs. These discussions support the broader goals of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Post-2025 and reflect ASCOPE’s commitment to long-term energy security and sustainability.
A highlight of the event was the CEO Roundtable, where regional energy executives, including PCEO Butalid, exchanged insights on ASEAN’s energy outlook and the evolving role of the council. Following the roundtable, the company conducted bilateral business meetings with counterparts from PT Pertamina (Persero), Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), and Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) to explore joint ventures in LNG development and personnel training.
The meeting also included a review of the ASCOPE draft charter, which aims to strengthen the organization’s governance and operational framework. Delegates expressed hope to present the finalized charter during ASCOPE’s 50th anniversary celebration later this year, which will be hosted by the PTT.
As an active member of ASCOPE, the Philippines through the PNOC, benefits from access to regional learning and development initiatives. One example was the company’s participation in the Energy Transition Course held in Japan last February 2025 under the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). The program aimed to build expertise in decarbonization technologies and energy transition strategies, which further enhanced PNOC’s capacity to contribute to the country’s sustainable energy goals.
Joining PCEO Butalid in the Philippine delegation were Senior Vice President (SVP) for Finance and Administrative Services Atty. Josephine Cassandra J. Cui, SVP for Energy Business Atty. Graciela M. Barleta, Business Research and Development Department Manager Alma B. Taganas, PNOC Exploration Corporation Department Manager Monina T. Forbes, and Executive Assistant to the SVP for Energy Investments and ASCOPE Country Coordinator for the Philippines Atty. Maria Francheska M. Garcia.
