The Department of Energy (DOE) officially launched the Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) drilling operations with the ceremonial arrival of the Noble Viking, a high-tech 7th generation drillship, at the Bagong Pag-Asa drill site offshore Palawan on June 19, 2025.

This event marks the start of a new phase in the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project, one of the country’s most critical energy infrastructure programs. The drillship will undertake the drilling of three new wells: Camago-3, Malampaya East-1, and Bagong Pag-Asa-1. Each will be executed with the goal of extending the life of the gas field and boosting the country’s indigenous energy supply.

DOE Officer-in-Charge Sharon S. Garin led the welcome ceremony alongside Senator Pia Cayetano, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, and Prime Energy Chairman Enrique K. Razon Jr. Garin described the occasion as a massive milestone for Philippine energy security, re-emphasizing the project’s potential to reduce dependence on imported fuel and stabilize energy costs for consumers.

“This occasion marks a significant moment not only for the SC 38 Consortium but also for the government, and more importantly, for the Filipino people we are committed to serving,” Garin said.

The Malampaya gas field, which was first commissioned in 2001, has long been a backbone of the Philippine energy mix. At its peak, it supplied up to 40% of Luzon’s electricity demand. The Phase 4 expansion is expected to deliver first gas by the fourth quarter of 2026, which underlines the DOE’s push for timely and efficient implementation of energy projects.

Garin also acknowledged the efforts of the engineers, geologists, rig workers, and technical support teams. She commends their commitment to the high-risk, high-precision work of offshore drilling. She further praised Prime Energy’s investment and its close cooperation with government agencies, citing it as a potential model of how public-private collaboration can drive the country’s energy future.

The DOE reaffirmed its full support for MP4 and pledged to help facilitate future phases, which is in line with the department’s goal of ensuring a secure, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for all Filipinos.

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