Dennis L. Umlas is a Senior Science Research Specialist at the Department of Energy (DOE). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and is a licensed electrical engineer, having passed the licensure examination administered by the Board of Electrical Engineering.Prior to joining the DOE, he worked as a Distribution Engineer at the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) under the South System Analysis Department. One of his key contributions was the formulation and prioritization of the annual planned maintenance projects for the Dasmariñas Sector of MERALCO.Currently assigned to the Power Planning and Development Division under the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) of the DOE, Mr. Umlas is primarily focused on the advancement of the electric power industry in missionary and off-grid areas. His work involves the formulation and implementation of policies and programs aligned with the DOE’s mandate to ensure sustainable, stable, secure, sufficient, accessible, and reasonably priced energy for all.He also played an active role in the quinquennial development of the Missionary Electrification Development Plan (MEDP)—the Philippines’ strategic planning document for electrification in missionary and off-grid areas with a five-year outlook.In addition, Mr. Umlas is a member of the technical team supporting the Chairperson of the ASEAN Power Grid Coordination Committee (APGCC), where the Philippines currently holds the chairmanship. In this capacity, he contributes to regional efforts to strengthen cross-border electricity interconnection and cooperation among ASEAN member states.