President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Monday, January 19, 2026, the discovery of a major natural gas reservoir at Malampaya East 1, a significant find that is expected to boost the Philippines’ energy security and domestic power supply.

MANILA, Philippines — In a video message shared on his official social media accounts, Marcos revealed that the Malampaya East 1 (MAE-1) reservoir, located about five kilometers east of the existing Malampaya Field offshore Palawan, contains an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas in place. 

The President described the discovery as the country’s first major natural gas find in more than a decade, underscoring its importance in addressing the nation’s growing energy demands. 

“Katumbas nito ang halos labing apat na bilyong kilowatt hour ng kuryente sa isang taon. Ibig sabihin, makakapagsuplay ito ng kuryente sa mahigit 5.7 milyon na kabahayan, siyam na libo’t limang daan na gusali, o halos dalawang daan libong paaralan sa loob ng isang taon,” Marcos said.

Initial testing of the well showed a flow rate of 60 million cubic feet per day, indicating strong production potential. Marcos emphasized that the discovery would help stabilize the country’s energy supply, particularly as the Philippines continues to grapple with rising electricity demand and the need to reduce reliance on imported fuel. 

“This is a major milestone for our energy sector. For the first time in over a decade, we have a significant natural gas discovery that will strengthen our domestic supply and ensure more stable electricity for millions of Filipinos,” he said.

The Malampaya project, which has been a cornerstone of the country’s energy infrastructure since its commissioning in 2001, currently supplies up to 20 percent of Luzon’s electricity requirements. The addition of Malampaya East 1 is expected to extend the life of the project and provide a critical boost to the Philippines’ energy independence. 

Marcos noted that the discovery aligns with his administration’s push for energy security and sustainability, highlighting that the reservoir’s output could power households, schools, and commercial establishments across the country.

Industry experts have pointed out that the discovery comes at a crucial time, as the Philippines faces challenges in securing affordable and reliable energy sources. The Department of Energy has been working closely with the Malampaya consortium to expand exploration and maximize production from the field. 

Marcos assured the public that the government would continue to support exploration efforts to ensure long-term benefits from the country’s natural resources.

The announcement has been met with optimism from both the energy sector and the public, with many viewing the discovery as a step toward reducing dependence on imported liquefied natural gas. 

The President reiterated that the government is committed to harnessing the full potential of Malampaya East 1, not only to meet immediate energy needs but also to secure the country’s future energy stability.

Good News in a High-Cost Power Economy

Malampaya East 1 sounds like rare good news. A major gas find promises stability, fewer imports, and relief from constant power anxiety. In a high-cost power economy, that matters. Any domestic supply that strengthens the grid deserves recognition.

But stability is not the same as savings. Filipinos pay some of Asia’s highest electricity rates, shaped by contracts, taxes, and transmission costs. New gas can keep lights on without pulling bills down. Without pricing reform and transparency, benefits may stop at supply security.

So the test is clear. Will Malampaya East 1 ease bills, or prevent outages while costs stay high?

Image from LNGPrime