Palawan
July 14, 2025

Reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported fuel, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conducted a fly-by inspection of the ongoing Malampaya Phase IV Drilling Campaign under Service Contract 38 (SC 38), located off the northwest coast of Palawan.

Upon arrival at the INAEC Hangar at El Nido Airport, the President was received by Mr. Guillaume Lucci, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prime Infrastructure, Inc., and Ms. Donnabel Cruz, President and CEO of Prime Energy. He then proceeded to the INAEC Conference Room for a project briefing led by Ms. Cruz.

Commissioned in 2001, the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project has long been a cornerstone of the Philippine energy mix, supplying up to 40% of Luzon’s power demand at its peak.

Under Phase 4, the drillship Noble Viking is drilling three (3) new wells: Camago-3, Malampaya East-1 and Bagong Pag-asa-1 to extend the life of the gas field and bolster the country’s indigenous energy supply. The Department of Energy (DOE) expects the first gas delivery by the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Project was initially scheduled to expire in February 2024 but has now been renewed until 22 February 2039, allowing continued production for another 15 years.

DOE Secretary Sharon Garin and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio ‘Vince’ Dizon joined the President on the aerial inspection.

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