TAGUIG CITY —  On 22 March 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the University of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation Inc. (UPSCRFI) formalized their continued partnership with the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the implementation  of the Gas Policy Development Project – Phase 3.  The 30-month initiative is set to develop an effective regulatory framework, which specifically supports the implementation of DOE Department Circular No. DC 2024-01-0007, known as the Amended Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Regulation. 

The main signatories of the agreement were DOE Secretary Lotilla and UPSCRFI President Dr. Lisa Bersales, who had pre-signed the agreement remotely. Dr. Joseph Ryan Lansangan, UPSCRFI Executive Director, represented Dr. Bersales during the ceremony and also participated as a witness, along with DOE USec. Alessandro Sales; Minister Daisuke Nihei of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines; and Mr. Daisuke Kiuchi, Chief Program Manager on Energy at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

“Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in marking the third iteration of the GPDP. The memorandum of agreement signed by the DOE and UPSCRFI signifies our collective dedication to further build the potential of natural gas in creating a sustainable energy future for the Philippines,” Dr. Lansangan emphasized.

Mr. Kiuchi echoed the same message and highlighted the country’s efforts to commit to a clean energy future–“As we ink on this agreement, we’re embarking on a quest to ensure that the Philippines remains steadfast in energy security. At the same time, it will be adhering to the global goal for decarbonization.”

GPDP 3 seeks to continue the success of its first and second phases, focusing on four components: Regulation Creation, Research, Capacity Building, and Policy Advisory. Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla shared his positive outlook on the project’s scope and potential impact: “As we enter the third phase, I am optimistic that we will achieve greater accomplishments. The DOE stands ready to provide all necessary support to ensure its successful implementation.”

“Phase 3 will enable the effective implementation of the circular by establishing codes of standard practice for LNG facilities, creating natural gas-specific regulations for concerned agencies, and strengthening the capacity of our agency regulators.” He elaborated.

GPDP 3 is funded by ERIA and is implemented by the UPSCRFI.  It shall work towards completing and finalizing a regulatory framework for the downstream natural gas industry; building the capacity of regulators; and providing evidence-based data and technical inputs for policy making and sectoral planning. GPDP 3 is a collaborative effort among DOE, UPSCRFI, ERIA, concerned government agencies, and shall receive technical advisory from JERA.