The Philippines is prepared for the outcome of the ongoing Malampaya drilling, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is committed to ensuring the country has a steady and reliable energy supply by utilizing a mix of gas, coal, renewable sources, and new technologies.
In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin assured the public that the country is prepared in case drilling at the Malampaya gas field yields minimal results. The DOE, she said, is focused on energy resilience, drawing from multiple sources, including gas, coal, renewables, and emerging technologies.
“We will continue, and I think ayaw kong isipin na wala, but we plan to have a good energy mix. It’s not just purely gas,” Garin said.
Garin said that while the government remains optimistic about ongoing exploration at Camago, Malampaya East, and Bagong Pag-asa, backup options are in place, including gas importation through newly completed regasification terminals.
“If we want more gas, then we can also import. That doesn’t make us energy secure, pero at least that will ensure that we have” supply, Garin said.
“On this term of the President, there are two new regasification facilities that have been completed—so kaya nating mag-import na ngayon,” the energy secretary said.
Garin pointed out the country’s expanding renewable energy portfolio, which has become the prime spot for foreign direct investment.
“There is so much interest in the Philippines in renewable energy. As you know, already 85 percent of the foreign direct investment is in renewable energy,” Garin said.
With a flexible energy mix, the DOE is well-positioned to recalibrate its targets as needed, based on the results of ongoing drilling and global market trends.
“We need to recalibrate our targets if we find out this year that medyo kaunti siya,” Garin added.
The Marcos administration continues to prioritize long-term energy stability and sustainability by advancing key infrastructure, enabling policies, and welcoming international partners focused on clean and secure energy development. | PND
