CEO Insights Magazine

In the ever-evolving Philippine energy landscape, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) stands at the center of transformation, where policy, market forces, and operations converge. Far from being a behind-the-scenes executive, a COO’s responsibilities stretch from overseeing retail electricity supply to navigating the complexities of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the role demands a rare mix of technical depth, market insight, and strategic vision. Daniel Arago, COO of PRIMERES Energy Corporation, embodies this strategic and operational leadership.

A second-generation power industry professional, Daniel's exposure to the sector began at home. His father worked in NAPOCOR and TransCo for four decades, making energy a regular topic at the family dinner table.

His professional journey began in 2005 as a cadet engineer at TransCo, followed by a pivotal role in PSALM in 2006, right at the launch of WESM. As one of the pioneer traders, he was on duty during the market's first commercial operation in June 2006.

In 2007, Daniel joined PEMC, the operator of WESM, gaining deep insights into the market’s technical operations. By 2012, he transitioned into the retail electricity supply business, coinciding with the emergence of RCOA, and helped build competitive supply solutions for consumers.

His leadership continued to evolve as he took on broader responsibilities in commercial operations, optimizing asset profitability through market trading, RES contracts, and bilateral deals.

In 2023, Daniel joined PRIMERES Energy Corporation, tasked with establishing and leading its Retail Electricity Supply arm. His journey from cadet engineer to COO reflects not just career progression, but a lifelong commitment to shaping the future of Philippine energy. Let’s hear more from him in this interaction.

What is your leadership style, and which key principles or approaches do you consistently apply in guiding your team?

To explain my leadership approach, I first reflect on how I understand myself. I am a sensitive person, naturally inclined to be a feeler. This sensitivity draws me toward positivity, and I tend to focus on the bright side even during challenges.

A positive environment is very important to me because it directly impacts my energy and performance. I feel a strong need to win, aiming for meaningful successes rather than small victories.

Missing opportunities bothers me because it interrupts the momentum I work hard to build. When setbacks occur, I recover quickly and return to a positive and productive mindset. I am motivated by good energy and optimism.

This understanding shapes how I lead. I focus on creating a positive workplace where openness and collaboration thrive. I listen carefully to my team’s ideas and needs, both professionally and personally, and I strive to support their growth. I believe in using people’s strengths to overcome weaknesses and encourage teamwork in all tasks and decisions. For me, leadership is not just about achieving goals. It is about building an environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to perform at their best.

product more sustainable and environmentally responsible?

In a fast-paced and constantly evolving power industry, my approach to creating retail products that supports sustainable and environmentally responsible is grounded in agility and continuous learning. I stay updated on the latest sustainable technologies and best practices, allowing me to quickly adapt strategies to minimize environmental impact. By remaining flexible and open to innovation, I ensure that products not only meet sustainability goals but also respond effectively to changing regulations and community needs, balancing environmental responsibility with practical execution.

How do you stay informed about current industry trends to guide your organization effectively into the future?

I believe the best way to stay current with industry trends is by building a strong network and fostering collaboration with peers in the field. While we may compete in business, these connections are also friendships grounded in a shared commitment to a common goal. Together, we work to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable power supply.

This collaborative mindset helps me gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and stay ahead in an ever-changing industry landscape.

What vision or goal are you striving to achieve for the future?

Currently, only a few people fully understand how the power market operates, which means there are relatively few participants and players in the industry. Looking ahead, I believe that as more people gain a deeper understanding of how the market works and the risks involved, the number of players will increase, leading to greater growth and innovation.

Over the next five years, the industry will continue to evolve rapidly with changing rules and dynamics. Staying future-ready by keeping up-to-date and being prepared to adapt to these changes will be essential for success and sustainable development.

Drawing from your extensive industry experi­ence, what guidance would you offer to those aspiring to become leaders in this field?

Based on my experience in the industry, my advice to aspiring leaders is to first take the time to understand themselves deeply. Knowing what motivates you and identifying your strengths are essential steps. Once you have this clarity, develop a leadership approach that aligns with these personal insights. By building on your unique qualities and staying true to who you are, you can lead more effectively and navigate the challenges of the industry with confidence and authenticity.

Daniel Arago, Chief Operating Officer, PRIMERES Energy Corporation

A licensed electronics and communications engineer, Daniel Arago has over 19 years of experience in the Philippine power sector, specializing in commercial operations, retail electricity supply, and strategic energy management.