Donnabel Kuizon Cruz, president and CEO of Prime Energy, operator of the Malampaya Gas Field, has been elected chairperson of the Philippine Petroleum Association of the Upstream Industry (Oil & Gas) Inc. (PAP).

Established in 2013, the PAP is a non-profit organization composed of companies engaged in upstream petroleum operations.

Its members account for the country’s entire oil and gas production. In addition to advocating for the interests of upstream oil and gas industry participants, PAP collaborates with the government on key initiatives, including the PH-Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative led by the Department of Finance and the Department of Energy’s 2024 Bid Round Launch.

Aside from Prime Energy, member companies include Nido Petroleum Philippines Pty. Ltd., Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corporation, PXP Energy Corporation (formerly Philex Petroleum Corp.), PetroEnergy Resources Corporation, The Philodrill Corporation, PNOC Exploration Corporation, Enex Energy Corp., UC38 LLC, Anglo Philippine Holdings Corporation, NPG Pty. Ltd. and Alcorn Petroleum and Minerals Corporation. Associate members include key service and support companies such as CSA Resources, BenLine Agencies, Royal Cargo, Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. and Desco Inc.

At the recently held annual membership meeting in Parañaque City, PAP members expressed their full confidence in Cruz’s leadership and strategic vision for a secure and sustainable energy future.

“I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence of my peers in the industry. As we move forward, PAP remains committed to working closely with the government and stakeholders in ensuring a stable and sustainable energy future for the Philippines,” Cruz said at the PAP gathering attended by Energy Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales.

Prime Energy

Cruz leads Prime Energy, a subsidiary of Prime Infra and is the operator of the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project, which supplies approximately 20 percent of Luzon’s electricity needs.

With over two decades of experience in the energy sector, Cruz has played a key role in shaping the country’s upstream industry. Before leading Prime Energy, she built a strong track record in exploration and production, asset management and regulatory affairs.

“Together, we will continue advancing the responsible development of the country’s oil and gas resources, helping build a stronger economy and a better future for Filipinos,” Cruz said.

This commitment is reflected in Prime Energy and the other Malampaya Service Contract 38 (SC 38) consortium members’ target of delivering new gas by 2026 through the drilling of two production wells and one exploration well in 2025.