As our nation charges forward on the path of progress, one reality emerges — the demand for energy is at an all-time high. Energy is the lifeblood that keeps our economy moving, our factories working, and our cities buzzing with electricity. It is the beating heart of an industrialized nation, and its importance cannot be overstated. 

We must, however, confront the downside of relying on traditional energy sources such as oil and coal. Numerous studies have shown their long-term harmful impact on the environment.

Armed with this knowledge, the Marcos administration has prioritized the exploration of alternative energy sources, with a particular emphasis on renewables harnessed from the sun and wind. An equally important pursuit is the search for cleaner and more sustainable options, and it is here that energy experts are looking into natural gas.

According to studies, natural gas consists mainly of methane gas, which emits the least amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulates when combusted. Direct replacement of coal with natural gas for power generation has proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Recognizing this benefit, the House of Representatives has approved on final reading on Aug. 2, 2023, two priority bills identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) that would develop the country’s natural gas industry.

During a plenary session, 215 lawmakers voted to approve House Bill (HB) 8456 or the “Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry (PDNGI) Development Act,” which would allow a shift of the country’s power generation away from coal and toward natural gas. 

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, author of the measure, said it seeks to promote natural gas as a safe, environment-friendly, efficient and cost-effective source of energy. “It’s high time that we enforce, implement, and use clean energy to mitigate the effects of climate change. We have to start now to veer away from the conventional but hazardous method of generating power, for the benefit of our future generation.”

HB 8456, in addition to promoting natural gas, provides a framework for regulatory policies and encourages the conversion of existing equipment and facilities from fossil fuel reliance to natural gas. Under this bill, the Department of Energy (DOE) will be entrusted with supervising and monitoring the development of the PDNGI, as well as regulating the construction and operation of natural gas pipelines and related facilities for transmission, distribution, and supply.

A study published in the Frontiers in Energy Research has brought to light the abundant reserves of natural gas in the ASEAN region, which “indicates the suitability of natural gas as the key energy source for the transition toward short- and medium-term sustainable renewable energy transition.”
With compelling data and extensive studies pointing to the benefits of natural gas for our surging energy demands, it is only prudent for the government to be prepared with legislation that fosters its exploration and development. History has taught us that being caught unprepared when energy demand surpasses supply is a monumental mistake — look at where we are now compared to our ASEAN neighbors.  

We cannot afford to let the lack of sufficient energy deter foreign investors, who seek a reliable and consistent energy supply for their factories, manufacturing plants, and logistic warehouses. If embracing natural gas offers the key to unlocking an energy-efficient, green, and sustainable Philippines, then by all means, let the government start all efforts today.