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*Marcos Jr. Administration Strengthens Philippine Energy Security with Historic 100% Filipino Gas Discovery*
Date published: Mar 27 2026 04:30 AM
MEDIA RELEASE
26 March 2026
*Marcos Jr. Administration Strengthens Philippine Energy Security with Historic 100% Filipino Gas Discovery*
Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Energy (DOE) welcomes the successful drilling, completion, and testing of the Camago-3 well, a historic milestone that reinforces the country’s energy security and, for the second time in just one year, demonstrates the Philippines’ resolve to strengthen energy independence through the development of indigenous resources. This achievement comes at a critical time, as the Middle East conflict continues to drive volatility in global fuel markets.
President Marcos Jr. announced the successful outcome of the Camago-3 well, located in the Malampaya-Camago structure within Service Contract 38 (SC 38). Undertaken as part of the Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) campaign, the development strengthens the Malampaya gas field and underscores the Administration’s firm commitment to maximizing domestic energy resources and reducing the country’s exposure to imported fuel volatility.
The Camago-3 well was successfully tested at production rates of up to 60 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d), marking a significant addition to the country’s indigenous gas supply.
“This is a historic milestone for Filipino-led engineering and the country’s energy security,” Secretary Garin said. “Amid the Middle East conflict, this gas discovery strengthens our domestic gas program: keeping supply dependable, reducing exposure to global fuel markets, and helping ensure that our energy transition remains affordable and secure for the Filipino people.”
Building on the breakthrough discovery at the Malampaya East-1 (MAE-1) well earlier this year, Camago-3 represents the second successful milestone under the US$893-million Malampaya Phase 4 development campaign. It also reflects a significantly larger resource, with recoverable gas volumes estimated to be around 2.5 times greater than those of the MAE-1 well.
By expanding domestic natural gas production, Malampaya helps shield Filipino consumers from the price volatility of imported fuels. At a fuel cost of ₱4.80 per kWh, indigenous Malampaya gas provides a significantly more affordable energy source compared with roughly ₱10.30 per kWh for imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). This cost advantage translates directly into greater price stability for Filipino households and industries.
The Camago-3 success also reflects broader momentum in the revitalization of the country’s upstream petroleum sector. To date, the government has awarded nine major service contracts, covering the continued production of the Galoc Field as well as high-potential areas in the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu Sea, drawing more than US$200 million in pledged investments.
To further sustain this momentum, the DOE has recently released the notice of bidding for the Philippine Gradiometry and Seismic Survey Project, a nationwide geological initiative that will generate critical data for future bidding rounds and help strengthen the long-term pipeline of upstream exploration and development.
The Department will also continue reviewing and updating policies to ensure that the regulatory framework remains responsive to evolving technologies, industry trends, and the needs of the upstream petroleum sector.
Through these efforts, the DOE remains committed to advancing indigenous energy development, reinforcing long-term supply security, and building a more resilient and self-reliant energy future for the Philippines. ###