Malampaya Phase 4 drilling underway
The Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday confirmed that drilling operations for the Malampaya Phase 4 Project are now in full swing, with the aim of ensuring energy security.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the project involves the drilling of three new wells—Camago-3, Malampaya East-1, and Bagong Pag-asa-1.
'Malampaya is 23 years old and used to supply 40% of Luzon's electricity demand. That has since gone down to 20% as reserves have dwindled,' said Garin during a press briefing in Malacañang.
She said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conducted a flyby inspection of the site on July 14 to oversee progress and express support for the initiative.
Garin explained that drilling is being carried out by a vessel named Noble Viking, which arrived a few weeks ago. Each well will be drilled at a depth of around 3 kilometers, with results expected later this year.
'We are hopeful, especially with Bagong Pag-asa. It's still a prospect, but it looks promising,' she said.
The Malampaya gas field has been a key supplier of natural gas to Luzon since it began operations in 2001. It powers homes, hospitals, and schools—but declining reserves have prompted government efforts to extend its life and tap new wells to secure affordable and stable electricity.
Phase 4 development is expected to help stabilize electricity costs while complementing the government's long-term goal of increasing renewable energy usage across the country.
'This is an indigenous resource,' Garin said. 'Even if there are wars elsewhere in the world, we can protect ourselves because this is ours—and we can manage the prices and supply ourselves.' —VBL, GMA Integrated News
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