As businesses contend with rising energy costs and evolving regulatory requirements, Security Bank recently hosted a forum aimed at helping clients better understand energy efficiency strategies, solar investments, and available government incentives.
The forum, “Sustainability Talks 2026: Energy Savings and Tax Incentives for a Greener Tomorrow,” gathered regulators, industry experts, and clients from Security Bank’s Commercial Banking Group to discuss practical approaches to improving energy management, reducing operational costs, and preparing for compliance with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA).
Held on May 29, 2026, at the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center in Makati City, the event highlighted how businesses can strengthen operational resilience through energy monitoring systems, solar rooftop installations, and other energy-efficient practices.
Security Bank brought together key resource speakers, including Department of Energy (DOE) Director Patrick Aquino, Board of Investments (BOI) Senior Investment Specialist Romalyn Manalo-Herbosa, Solenergy Systems Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tom Peebles, Renewable Energy Consultant Lemuel Alvarado, Sustainability Head Nikki Lizares, and Sustainable Finance Head Anne Eugenio.
During the forum, Director Aquino outlined the key requirements of the EECA and emphasized the importance of adopting a structured approach to energy monitoring and management. He noted that the accelerated implementation of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (NECP) has been driven by the EECA, which institutionalizes energy efficiency and conservation as a national priority while providing incentives for qualified projects.
“The EEC Act also strengthens compliance and participation among designated establishments and energy efficiency professionals,” Aquino said.
Meanwhile, Manalo-Herbosa discussed incentives available under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), including benefits for companies investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.
“As long as we see that the project is complying with the minimum 15% energy savings, they may avail of the incentives,” she said.
The forum also explored the practical application of solar rooftop systems and energy monitoring technologies. Peebles shared how businesses are leveraging these solutions to improve operational efficiency and better manage electricity costs over the long term.
“The consideration is data, data, data,” Peebles said when discussing battery storage investments. “If you have the data on your utilization and demand profile, you can predict excess capacity and make a well-informed decision on return on investment.”
According to Lizares, energy efficiency is increasingly becoming a strategic business priority beyond regulatory compliance.
“Energy efficiency is becoming a more deliberate business priority, not just from a compliance standpoint, but also as a way to manage costs and improve operational performance,” she said. “These conversations help clients better understand the options available to them, from solutions and incentives to the practical considerations that matter as they determine what makes the most sense for their business.”
The discussions also underscored the role of financing in supporting businesses at various stages of their sustainability journey, including investments in renewable energy, energy-efficient equipment, green buildings, and clean transportation.
“In sustainable finance, the focus is helping clients make practical investments that support long-term business efficiency and growth,” said Eugenio. “We want to be a partner to clients as they navigate changing business and regulatory requirements.”
The Sustainability Talks forum forms part of Security Bank’s broader efforts to support businesses in addressing evolving operational challenges while advancing their sustainability goals.
