The Department of Energy (DOE) said over the weekend it signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the University of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation Inc. (UPSCRFI) for the third phase of the Gas Policy Development Project (GPDP3) in pursuit of developing the Philippine downstream natural gas industry.
The GPDP aims to provide technical assistance to the DOE in implementing Department Circular No. 2024-01-0007 which sets the codes of standard, rules and regulations governing the country’s downstream natural gas industry.
“As we enter the third phase, I am optimistic that we will achieve more sustained programs. The DOE stands ready to provide all necessary support to ensure its successful implementation. No efforts laid in previous phases will go to waste,” said Secretary Raphael Lotilla.
The MOA focuses on the development of codes of standard practice for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities specific to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of facilities for LNG storage and regasification terminal, transmission and distribution system and third-party access.
It also involves the conduct of research to facilitate LNG market development and technology and strengthening the capacity of agency regulators.
Lotilla and UPSCRFI executive director Joseph Ryan Lansangan signed the agreement which underscores the government’s thrust of establishing a regulatory framework, building the capacity of regulators and providing evidence-based data and technical inputs for policy-making and sectoral planning related to downstream natural gas industry.