Calgary, 2 October 2023 – At the recent international conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the Philippines called on international oil and gas companies to invest in the development of the Philippines’ upstream petroleum industry.
A 12-man delegation from the Department of Energy (DOE), Philippine National Oil Company - Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC), and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) made this pitch when they participated in the 24th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) in Calgary on 17-21 September 2023.
Recognized as the world’s premier oil, gas and energy forum, the WPC attracts the attendance of heads of state, energy leaders and technical experts who discuss the challenges and opportunities of managing the world’s petroleum and energy resources. The event is held every three years in WPC energy member countries.
This year, an estimated 10,000 visitors and over 5,000 delegates from 111 countries came to the WPC that had the theme “Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero.”
Headed by DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales, the Philippine Delegation attended the various WPC-related meetings, sessions, and activities.
One of the WPC’s highlights was the Ministerial Session on 21 September 2023 featuring the Philippines.
In this session, Undersecretary Sales discussed the renewable energy (RE) outlook in the Philippines.
He highlighted that RE’s share in the country’s energy mix is projected to increase to 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. During the transition phase, the Philippines will increase its use of liquified natural gas.
Undersecretary Sales then shed light on the Philippine Energy Contracting Program (PCECP) as he explained the process, modes of awarding contracts, and evaluation criteria in awarding contracts for exploration in the Philippines under the PCECP.
Likewise, he discussed the salient features and general terms of the petroleum service contract awarded by the Philippine Government to winning bidders.
Undersecretary Sales also showed a list of the Philippine petroleum service contracts that have been awarded so far.
Lastly, he underscored the opportunities for exploration in Offshore Palawan, West Philippine Sea, and the BARMM.
Outside the WPC, the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, led by Consul General Zaldy Patron, arranged the Philippine Delegation’s meetings with private companies, academic institutions, industry associations, and government officials, including with Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean.
To know more about the PCECP, interested parties can contact the DOE at pcecp.prdd@doe.gov.ph.
