Metro Manila, Philippines – The government has entered into two service contracts aimed at expanding the exploration, development, and production of energy sources, the Department of Energy (DOE) said in a statement on Tuesday, April 7.
The contracts cover the development and production of the onshore Alegria oil and gas field in southern Cebu, and another for natural hydrogen sources in onshore Leyte. Their commercial viability has yet to be announced.
The DOE said the Alegria field to be operated by Texcal Energy Mahato Inc. has a reserve of around 27.93 million barrels of oil, of which 3.35 million barrels are considered recoverable.
Recoverable gas resources are projected at 6.6 billion cubic feet, about 70 percent of the field’s total gas reserves, and is expected to contribute to the energy supply in the Visayas.
Meanwhile, the Leyte-based project, awarded to Matahio Energy Philippines in partnership with Ophiolite Energy, was marked as a “promising site” for assessing naturally occurring hydrogen that may be present in commercially viable quantities.
“These petroleum service contracts reflect our determination to move indigenous energy development forward, both by revitalizing known resources and by opening pathways for frontier exploration,” said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
The government required contractors to provide scholarship assistance during the exploration phase and implement social development programs during the production stage.
The Philippine National Oil Company on March 27 announced the successful drilling and testing of the Camago-3 Well in the Malampaya Gas Field, which is expected to boost the country’s gas supply, with delivery projected by the fourth quarter this year.
