The Philippines has started Phase 4 drilling at its crucial Malampaya gas field offshore Palawan, initiating a new gas search under Service Contract 38 in a significant energy revival. The Noble Viking, a seventh-generation drillship, arrived at the Bagong Pag‑Asa site on June 19, 2025, officially initiating the campaign aimed at boosting domestic gas production.
Phase 4 will drill three new wells—Camago‑3, Malampaya East‑1 (both development wells), and Bagong Pag‑Asa‑1 (an exploration well)—designed to extend Malampaya’s operational life and deliver fresh gas supply by late 2026. Success could maintain up to 20 percent of Luzon’s power needs, while exploration may uncover significant new reserves.
The milestone, according to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, is crucial for lowering fuel imports and ensuring energy security. The MP4 initiative, which was named a Project of National Significance in October 2024, enjoys the advantages of quick regulatory approvals and robust public-private cooperation under Prime Energy’s leadership. offshore-energy.biz +10 gulfnews.com +10 tribune.net.ph +10
Malampaya’s output could be extended well into the 2030s if Camago-3 performs as anticipated by early August 2025. The outreach exploration well, meanwhile, might reveal new gas resources, enhancing the Philippines’ energy self-sufficiency.
