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Manila, Philippines – In a significant cabinet reshuffle, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has formally appointed Sharon S. Garin as the Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), ending her interim role as officer-in-charge. Garin took her oath in Malacañang on July 14, 2025, succeeding Raphael Lotilla, who now leads the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Her promotion follows a major cabinet reorganization initiated by Marcos, who directed all members to submit courtesy resignations earlier this year.
Professional Background: Law, Policy, and Energy Governance
Garin brings a multifaceted background to the DOE, combining legal expertise, financial acumen, and legislative experience. A certified public accountant (CPA) and lawyer, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management (Accounting) from the University of the Philippines Visayas–Iloilo, a Juris Doctor from Ateneo de Manila University, and a Master of Business Administration from Spain’s ESADE Business School. Her public service career spans over a decade in the House of Representatives (2010–2022), representing the AAMBIS-Owa Party List. During her congressional tenure, she served as Deputy Speaker (2016–2019) and chaired the influential House Committee on Economic Affairs, where she oversaw critical legislation on fiscal policy and food security. She joined the DOE as Undersecretary in 2022, managing financial services, legal affairs, and legislative liaison.
Notable Accomplishment: Pioneering the Philippines’ Nuclear Energy Program
Garin’s most significant achievement to date is her transformative work on the Philippines’ nuclear energy agenda. As Undersecretary, she chaired the Nuclear Energy Program Interagency Committee and spearheaded efforts to integrate nuclear power into the country’s energy mix. In 2024, she announced the DOE’s ambitious goal of establishing “commercially operational nuclear power plants by 2032” during the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 68th Regular Session. This initiative aims to bolster baseload power supply while advancing decarbonization targets. Her leadership in this arena earned strong support from industry stakeholders like Meralco, which cited her nuclear advocacy as pivotal for the Philippines’ energy future.
Policy Priorities: Continuity, Renewables, and Resilience
In her inaugural statement as Secretary, Garin emphasized policy continuity with Lotilla’s reforms while outlining key priorities:
- Accelerating Renewable Energy: Expanding the Green Energy Auction Program to fast-track competitive bidding for renewable projects and streamline administrative hurdles for developers.
- Energy Security: Enhancing grid resiliency against supply disruptions and natural disasters.
- National Electrification: Extending power access to underserved regions, particularly remote islands.
- Investment Climate: Refining omnibus guidelines for energy contracts to attract private capital.
Garin stressed these pillars would ensure “accessible, reliable, and sustainable energy” aligned with President Marcos’s agenda.
Reception and Challenges Ahead
While industry players welcomed Garin’s expertise, her appointment drew mixed reactions. Critics questioned the transfer of Lotilla to DENR. Nevertheless, Garin has pledged to prioritize “collaboration and transparency” in navigating global energy market volatility and the Philippines’ transition to sustainable power. Her success hinges on balancing immediate energy security needs with long-term decarbonization—a challenge she is poised to tackle with her policy and legislative prowess.