About Us

We offer solutions to the energy needs of companies and communities by means of in-depth knowledge and the integration of several techniques into tailor-made decentralized energy projects. Know more about us!

Click Here

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

Amidst the global disruption and uncertainty caused by COVID-19, one very favorable development is that people now realize the fundamental importance of health and a clean environment.

In the energy sector, the mitigation of global change by among others shifting away from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy, especially renewables, and promoting energy efficiency have undoubtedly become even more urgent than ever before. For net energy importing countries like the Philippines, this has the added benefit of enhancing national energy security.

As chairman of Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc. (UGEP), I therefore note with pride that the company is playing a role in this urgent national endeavor, particularly through the installation of solar systems in commercial establishments (e.g. malls, warehouses, etc.) and offering energy efficiency solutions to industrial establishments (e.g. waste heat recovery, etc.). These projects not only enable them to reduce their electricity bills, but also help to protect the environment and enhance national energy security.

UGEP has close to 30 MWs of commercial & industrial solar projects all over the country – from Pangasinan to Zamboanga – some of which have already been operating for a few years and others under construction or advanced development. Our strong and ambitious team are eager to grow this pipeline and contribute to a better future for all Filipinos by providing cost-effective solar energy solutions post COVID-19 era.

Rufino Bomasang
Chairman of the Board

OUR COMMITMENT

To be the leading player for commercial and industrial solar rooftop, utility-scale solar, and wind in the Philippines.

To be the trusted Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) provider for solar installations in the Philippines.

Gender balance and we aim to constantly improve towards achieving this goal.

OUR MISSION

Provide affordable renewable energy solutions. Adopting ever-changing technology. To recruit the best professionals, achieve gender balance and ensure continuing professional development.

OUR VISION

Be the leading player in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Philippines.

BEHIND UGEP

Our Management Team

Ruth Yu-Owen
President and CEO

Ruth is the President and CEO of Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc.

For over 20 years, Ruth has been involved in the field of renewable energy, developing wind power, hydropower, and solar projects.

Ruth is also the Chairperson on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and also Vice President for Internal Affairs of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2).

In 2022, Ruth was appointed Vice-Chairperson of the Management Association of the Philippines.

Ruth is also the Co-Founder of Connected Women, a social impact Tech start-up with more than 80,000 women members. It aims to increase household income and create livelihood opportunities for Filipino women through technology upskilling and reskilling, ensuring that no woman is left behind.

One of Ruth’s other passions is to give back to her alma-mater and sits as a Board of Trustee/Vice-Chair of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

Rufino Bomasang
Chairman of the Board

Bumi, as he is fondly called, is the Chairman of Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc.

Bumi provides overall leadership and strategic directions for the company in pursuit of its mission of developing renewable energy resources, particularly through the installation of rooftop solar projects and providing energy efficiency solutions.

For the last 57 years, Bumi has been involved in the Philippine resources sector (minerals and energy) as a professional engineer and manager. Of this duration, 45 years were spent in the upstream energy sector, specifically in exploring and developing indigenous energy resources to reduce the country's dependence on imported energy.

Jocelyn Anivado
Chief Financial Officer

Jocelyn is the General Manager and Chief Financial Officer of Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc.

Jocelyn has over 35 years of being involved in the areas of finance and accounting, financial reporting, project accounting, and corporate finance.

Jocelyn is also the Chief Financial Officer of UGEP Solar 1, Inc., a subsidiary of Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc. Jocelyn also provides controllership functions simultaneously to several companies.

Jocelyn graduated from Saint Louis University in Baguio with a degree in Bachelor of Science, Major in Accountancy, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Pieterjan Vanbuggenhout
Director

Pieterjan is a Director at Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc.

For 15 years, Pieterjan has been experienced in the development, financing, engineering, procurement, and construction of solar projects, of which almost 10 years in South-East Asia.

Pieterjan has also worked as an investment manager on the financing of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Europe and Asia.

Pieterjan currently lives in Belgium, where he works for a battery storage project developer. He is also the founder and director of Atum Energy, a company providing solar and battery storage solutions in Cambodia.

Pieterjan graduated from the University of Leuven (KUL) in Belgium with a Masters degree in Business Engineering.

Kim Santiago
Business & Project Development Manager

Kim is the Project Director of Upgrade Energy Philippines, Inc.

Since 2016, Kim has been the lead for all projects, starting from conceptualization, engineering and design, commercial negotiation, up to construction implementation.

A home grown-talent of UGEP, she has over 8-years of technical and commercial experience in the solar industry.

Kim graduated from University of the Philippines – Diliman with a Bachelor of Science, Major in Materials Engineering.

DROP US A LINE

Unit 318B, LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila

+63 (02) 8851 7660

+63 (02) 8403 6389