RENEWED PARTNERSHIP. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and University of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation, Inc. (UPSCRFI) president Gervacio Selda Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Thursday (April 29, 2021) that formalizes the implementation for the second phase of the Gas Policy Development Project (GPDP 2). GPDP 2 aims to help in developing the country’s natural gas sector. (Photo courtesy of DOE)
MANILA – The Department of Energy (DOE) and the University of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation, Inc. (UPSCRFI) have renewed their partnership to continue the second phase of the Gas Policy Development Project (GPDP 2).
On Thursday, DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi and UPSCRFI president Gervacio Selda Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to pursue the GPDP 2 that will help in developing the country’s natural gas sector.
Under the partnership, the UPSCRFI will provide technical assistance and research to the DOE that will help the agency to formulate policies that will attract investments in the natural gas sector in the country.
“A robust natural gas industry is crucial to ensuring a secure and sustainable energy future for the Philippines,” Cusi said.
Before this, the DOE and UPSCRFI partnered for the first phase of GPDP implemented from September 2018 to January 2020.
Through the GPDP 1, the DOE was provided with technical assistance to implement the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Regulation.
“We were able to craft an investor’s guide, financial and technical recommendations for review of applications, and the research study on market profiling with emphasis on the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power economic zones,” Cusi said.
The project is also supported by the United States Department of State through its U.S. Asia EDGE (Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy) Initiative.
“We are hopeful that this particular undertaking will be the beginning of more collaboration with the US government to further solidify our partnership, with our American friends helping us attain our energy goals for the country,” the DOE chief added.
Meanwhile, Selda reiterated UPSCRFI’s support to the DOE in crafting policies that will boost the LNG industry.
“UPSCRFI aims to continue providing technical guidance and research to the DOE and other partner government agencies to support the formulation of standards, policies, and roadmaps which are envisioned to usher in more investments, facilitate healthy competition in the LNG industry, and ultimately provide long-term energy security for the country,” Selda said. (PNA)
