DoE confirms start of Malampaya Phase 4 drilling

The Department of Energy (DoE) confirmed that drilling operations for Malampaya Phase 4 have begun to assess remaining gas resources and ensure energy security.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin stated during a briefing on Tuesday that the project involves three new wells: Camago-3, Malampaya East-1, and Bagong Pag-asa-1, with two showing promising prospects so far.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conducted a flyby inspection of the site on July 14 to oversee progress and express support for the initiative.

Phase 4 is operated by the Malampaya consortium and aims to extend the life of the gas field that currently supplies about 20% of Luzon's power needs, down from its peak of 40% in 2001.

Despite being a gamble for the country, Garin expressed hope based on geologic studies indicating potential in the areas under evaluation and emphasized the significance of this development as exploration should have started a decade ago.