MANILA, Philippines – Last April 21, G-Drive Solutions, represented by Anthony Betia – Head of Communication and Corporate Affairs, and Nelman Marilag – Sales Manager, attended the Stratbase Institute and Embassy of Slovenia event entitled Science2Business: Energy Resilience for Enhanced Security at the Manila Polo Club.
In direct response to the fragility of global energy systems and escalating climate risks, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia and the Stratbase Institute launched a high-level, two-day summit. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercial application. Ultimately, it aims to protect critical infrastructure and modernize the defense sectors of both nations.
The partnership comes at a critical time. In particular, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to expose the risks of external energy dependency. As a result, the summit reinforces a shared urgency between the Philippines—a nation highly exposed to climate-induced disasters—and Slovenia to advance renewable energy and efficiency solutions.
“Climate security and the modernization of the defense sector are priorities for both Slovenia and the Philippines,” the organizers stated. Furthermore, they noted that Slovenian research in energy efficiency has already garnered attention from the EU, NATO, and the UN.
The opening day focused on the “transfer of science” to the private sector and featured a keynote from Philippine DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. In addition, high-level panels explored three critical pillars:
- Commercializing R&D: Undersecretary Leah Buendia led discussions on the state’s role in strengthening partnerships between researchers and businesses.
- AI in Crisis Management: Experts, including Dr. Erika Legara and representatives from the Office of Civil Defense, examined how artificial intelligence can shift disaster response from real-time assessment to more preemptive action.
- Defense Decarbonization: Slovenian Col. Robert Šipec and Philippine Usec. Felix William Fuentebella led a specialized session focusing on sustainable energy solutions for military bases.
