The Department of Energy (DOE) expects new wells in the Malampaya gas field to begin supplying electricity by late 2026, potentially extending the country’s energy reserves well beyond President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term.

In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the three newly drilled wells — Camago-3, Malampaya East, and Bagong Pagasa — have shown promising signs of gas deposits. She noted that President Marcos’ decision to greenlight drilling operations reflects his long-term vision for energy security.

“I think the President is not just concerned about your needs today or until 2028. I think he is concerned about the long-term needs of our country,” Garin told reporters.

If proven viable, the new wells could power the grid for up to a decade. 

Garin said that two of the wells are already showing excellent potential, and once confirmed, could be connected to the existing Malampaya platform within a year.

According to Garin, the two wells — Camago-3 and Malampaya East — are showing excellent prospects, while the government is also optimistic that the third one, Bagong Pagasa, will become an additional source.

“And once we know na meron nga, siguro ang kailangan lang ay isang taon para i-connect 'yan sa Malampaya (platform) natin, and then by late next year, we will have electricity from the new wells already,” she added. 

On Monday, Marcos conducted an aerial inspection of the Malampaya drilling site off Palawan, flying over the Noble Viking drillship and the platform where operations are currently underway.

Malampaya, the country’s sole indigenous natural gas source, has been operational since 2002 and supplies about 20% of Luzon’s electricity.

Garin also revealed that the government plans to award eight additional gas exploration contracts, including two for hydrogen — the first of their kind globally — and two for sites within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).