The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) is assessing the feasibility of supporting a Self-Generating Industrial Park (SGIP) in Pababag, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, as part of its strategy to bring cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).
The initiative aligns with PNOC’s ongoing efforts to expand energy access in off-grid islands across the Visayas and Mindanao, and follows a strategic partnership with Indonesia’s PT Pertamina (Persero) to develop liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure.
The PNOC-Pertamina partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on November 7, 2024, aims to advance collaborative LNG development and other energy-related projects that promote energy security, economic growth, and a low-carbon future. The agreement also explores the potential establishment of LNG and gas infrastructure in the Philippines, providing reliable energy solutions in areas like Tawi-Tawi, which currently faces limited access to stable electricity supply.
PNOC President and CEO Oliver Butalid emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that once the LNG supply route is established in off-grid islands such as Tawi-Tawi, development can accelerate due to access to affordable and secure electricity.
To assess the viability of the LNG-powered industrial park, PNOC led a scoping visit from February 5-6, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders to evaluate infrastructure needs and potential economic benefits. A highlight of the visit was the unveiling of the SGIP project marker at the proposed site, symbolizing the government’s commitment to industrial and economic development in Tawi-Tawi.
The delegation included high-ranking officials, among them PNOC President and CEO Oliver Butalid, PNOC Directors Jasmine Oporto and Joel Caminade, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Theo Panga, National Power Corporation (Napocor) President and CEO Fernando Martin Roxas, Land Bank of the Philippines President and CEO Lynette Ortiz, Department of Energy (DOE) Director Irma Exconde, and representatives from the Bangsamoro Economic Zone Authority. Officials from Indonesia’s PT Pertamina also joined the visit, reinforcing the significance of the PNOC-Pertamina collaboration in advancing the country’s energy goals.
Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael ‘Mang’ Sali expressed his appreciation for the high-level visit, noting that enhanced energy infrastructure could be transformative for the region’s economy. He stated that reliable and affordable power is key to unlocking Tawi-Tawi’s economic potential and that this initiative can pave the way for increased investments, job creation, and improved quality of life for the people of the province.
The proposed Self-Generating Industrial Park (SGIP) is envisioned to attract industries and businesses that require a steady and affordable power supply, ranging from agribusiness and fisheries to manufacturing and logistics. With LNG-powered generation facilities, the park could serve as a model for sustainable economic zones in other off-grid areas. By leveraging its partnership with Pertamina, PNOC is also looking at broader LNG integration opportunities, which could potentially lower energy costs and enhance energy security for the entire region.
What are your thoughts on Tawi-Tawi’s potential as an LNG-powered industrial hub? Do you think LNG infrastructure can be a game-changer for off-grid islands in the Philippines? Share your insights in the comments below, and follow Power Philippines for the latest updates on energy and infrastructure developments!
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