Prime Energy underscored the role of indigenous natural gas in keeping the country’s power system stable and affordable as the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the Department of Energy (DOE) formalized a three-year Joint Energy Action Agenda (JEAA) for 2026 to 2029.

The JEAA, signed during the 2nd MAP Energy CEO Forum on December 1, marks the first time the public and private sectors have committed to a unified work plan to accelerate the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023–2050. The agenda focuses on closing supply gaps, strengthening infrastructure and market frameworks, and improving cost management to support both major demand centers and remote communities.

Prime Energy emphasized that indigenous natural gas remains central to these efforts, particularly as renewable energy capacity continues to expand. The company said natural gas provides steady power that supports system reliability while variable renewable sources such as solar and wind are scaled up.

“Indigenous natural gas remains a strategic anchor of our energy system,” said Prime Energy President and CEO Donnabel Kuizon-Cruz, who served as technical working group lead for the JEAA. “As we expand renewables, gas—supported by domestic production and efficient midstream infrastructure—helps keep power secure and affordable for Filipino households and businesses.”

Prime Energy, operator of Service Contract 38, is currently undertaking the US$893-million Malampaya Phase 4 drilling and exploration program to extend the life of the country’s most important indigenous gas resource. Malampaya supplies around 20% of Luzon’s power needs and at its peak provided up to 40%.

The JEAA’s implementation phase is expected to involve continued coordination between policymakers, developers, and market participants, with a focus on timely project execution and stronger planning for long-term energy security.

As public and private stakeholders move forward under a shared energy agenda, how will indigenous natural gas continue to shape the balance between reliability and transition in the country’s power system?

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.