As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance energy access and reduce diesel dependency in the Visayas and Mindanao, PNOC, in collaboration with Indonesia’s Pertamina and the National Power Corporation–Small Power Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG), conducted a business-to-business (B2B) mission and technical assessment on the potential deployment of small-scale liquefied natural gas (ssLNG). The initiative, held from June 17 to 21, 2025, covered selected island provinces in the southern part of the country, including Cebu, Zamboanga, and Basilan.

PNOC was represented by Engr. James Rainier D. Miranda and Engr. Jose Rodolfo S. Quinto from its LNG Strategic Business Unit. They were joined by experts from Pertamina Gas Negara and Pertamina International Shipping, subsidiaries of the Indonesian state-owned energy company, who brought valuable insights and experience from similar LNG projects across Southeast Asia.

In Basilan, the team assessed the readiness of existing port infrastructure to receive ISO LNG tanks. These portable containers are essential for enabling flexible LNG transport and storage in locations where full-scale LNG terminals may not be feasible. Meetings were conducted with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to discuss regulatory, operational, and infrastructure considerations for adapting local ports to support LNG logistics.

To further evaluate energy needs and understand the area’s power landscape, the team also visited existing diesel power facilities and three proposed power plant sites. These locations are being considered for hybrid energy systems that integrate LNG to reduce fuel costs for consumers.

The delegation likewise visited Cebu for a brief inspection of a proposed 300MW power plant in Cordova, in coordination with the Mactan Electric Company (MECO).

The mission concluded in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, where PNOC and Pertamina held a B2B meeting with TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD), a gold and silver mining company operating in the Municipality of Bayog. The team toured the mining and processing plant and discussed the potential use of LNG in mining operations, highlighting the benefits of transitioning from diesel to cleaner, more cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable fuel alternative.

Further engagements with other key stakeholders are anticipated as PNOC, in collaboration with Pertamina, continues to explore viable LNG deployment strategies to address the unique energy needs of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the Philippines.