As businesses face rising energy costs and evolving regulatory requirements, Security Bank hosted a forum to help clients better understand energy efficiency, solar investments, and related government incentives.
The forum, “Sustainability Talks 2026: Energy Savings and Tax Incentives for a Greener Tomorrow,” brought together regulators, industry experts, and clients from Security Bank’s Commercial Banking Group to discuss how businesses can enhance energy management, improve costs more effectively, and prepare for compliance requirements under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA).
Hosted by Security Bank for clients of its Commercial Banking Group, the event focused on how companies can strengthen operational resilience through energy monitoring systems, solar rooftop installations, and improved efficient energy practices.
Department of Energy Director Patrick Aquino discussed key requirements under the EECA and how businesses can take a more structured approach to monitoring and managing energy consumption. The DOE has streamlined the process of net metering. “The accelerated implementation of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (NECP) is also driven by the enactment of the EEC Act, which institutionalized energy efficiency and conservation as the national way of life to promote the efficient use of energy and provide for incentives for qualified EEC projects,” said Director Aquino. “The EEC Act also strengthens compliance and participation among designated establishments and energy efficiency professionals.”
Meanwhile, Romalyn Manalo-Herbosa of the Board of Investments shared available incentives under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), including opportunities for companies investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. “As long as we see that the project is complying with the minimum 15% energy savings, they may avail of the incentives,” said Ms. Herbosa.
The forum also covered practical applications of solar rooftop systems and energy monitoring technologies. Tom Peebles, Chief Executive Officer of Solenergy Systems Inc., shared how businesses are using these solutions to improve operational efficiency and manage electricity costs over the long term. When asked on the consideration when placing batteries, Mr. Peebles responded, “The consideration is data—data, data, data. If you have the data of your utilization and demand profile, you will be able to limit the excess or at least predict the excess and make a very informed decision of the ROI.”
“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,” said Nikki Lizares, Sustainability Head at Security Bank. “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 highlighted how financing can support businesses across different stages of their transition efforts, including renewable energy, energy-efficient equipment, green buildings, and clean transport initiatives.
“In sustainable finance, the focus is helping clients make practical investments that support long-term business efficiency and growth,” said Anne Eugenio, Sustainable Finance Head at Security Bank. “We want to be a partner to clients as they navigate changing business and regulatory requirements.”
Held at the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center in Makati City, the forum forms part of Security Bank’s broader efforts to support businesses in navigating evolving operational and sustainability priorities.