DOE chief’s newfound dream
Before joining the Department of Energy (DOE), Secretary Sharon Garin had always dreamed of becoming an architect.
Manila, Philippines — Secretary Sharon Garin, who once dreamed of becoming an architect before entering the Department of Energy (DOE), has unexpectedly discovered a new passion: geology. During a recent international geothermal conference in Batangas, Garin confessed her newfound interest in the scientific study of Earth's rocks, minerals, and natural resources.
The shift in her career aspirations emerged from her interactions with experts exploring the country's indigenous energy sources. Geologists play a crucial role in energy exploration, identifying resource locations, assessing availability, and determining feasibility for safe and economical development. Garin expressed her admiration for Filipino geologists, jokingly remarking that they are "pirated" by foreign experts.
As an undersecretary since 2022 and now the DOE secretary since July 2025, Garin's transition from accounting and law to geology highlights her adaptability and enthusiasm for the field. Despite her age, she humorously stated that she's "already old" to consider pursuing geology as a formal degree.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
