Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes yesterday announced the holding of a four-day energy summit to discuss long-term programs and policies on energy, fuel and power utilization and conservation, a press release from Malacañang said.

The energy summit will open on Jan. 29 and will resume two days later on Jan. 31. The two other meetings are set for Feb. 5 and 7.

Reyes said there is no easy way out of the energy crisis. This problem is going to be with us during the next 50 to 100 years, he added in the press release.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has called for an energy summit after the price of crude oil in the world market topped the $100 mark last week.

Among the key issues to be discussed at the summit are the oil supply and demand situation, the setting up of clearcut guidelines on energy conservation, and the efficient utilization of energy, fuel and power, the press release from Malacañang said.

Reyes said the summit will also focus on the formulation of a long-term master plan, and “not a short-term solution” to the energy problem.

It will also tackle measures to “enhance policies and programs, attract investments in technology and launch development projects that would impact favorably on energy supplies and prices while helping significantly arrest climate change.”

Aside from government officials, others invited to attend the summit are members of the academe, legal and technical experts, representatives from non-governmental organizations, oil industry, transport groups, media, church and other religious organizations, the press release said.*

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