Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez is pushing for the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biomass power facilities in Palawan, arguing that the province should benefit more directly from energy resources that have long helped supply electricity to Luzon.
Speaking during the June 11 episode of The Spokes on Bilyonaryo News Channel, Alvarez pointed to what he described as an irony in Palawan’s energy situation.
“The irony, kami [ang] nagsu-supply ng gas papuntang Luzon para gawain diyan sa Batangas. Pagkatapos, yung Palawan, patay-sindi ang kuryente,” Alvarez said.
The Malampaya natural gas field, located off the coast of Palawan, has supplied fuel for power plants in Luzon for more than two decades. Despite hosting the country’s largest natural gas project, parts of Palawan have continued to experience power supply issues and dependence on diesel-fired generation.
Alvarez said one possible long-term solution is to establish a gas facility in the Calamianes area that could tap into existing gas infrastructure.
The pipeline carrying Malampaya gas to Batangas, he explained, passes through waters near the Calamianes islands, creating an opportunity to develop local energy infrastructure.
“Sana Calamianes, maglagay na siya ng isang gas substation doon to convert the gas para magkalung kami ng LNG na planta to power the whole of mainland Palawan,” he said.
The congressman said Palawan remains heavily dependent on diesel generation, which contributes to high electricity costs and supply concerns.
He noted that while coal plants currently provide part of the province’s baseload power requirements, Palawan will eventually need alternative sources as the country transitions to cleaner energy systems.
As chairman of the House Committee on Energy, Alvarez said he has been discussing energy concerns with stakeholders, including the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), to identify long-term solutions for the province.
In addition to LNG, Alvarez proposed expanding biomass power generation using agricultural waste and fast-growing tree species.
He said Palawan has abundant rice husks, coconut waste and other biomass materials that could be converted into electricity.
“Marami kaming ipa, marami kaming coconut waste,” Alvarez said.
He also suggested cultivating napier grass and expanding plantations of acacia mangium, a fast-growing tree species widely used in commercial forestry, as potential feedstock for biomass facilities.
While renewable energy technologies such as solar power continue to expand, Alvarez said energy storage remains a challenge for large-scale deployment.
“Solar is very intermittent,” he said, noting that battery storage technology remains costly for large power systems.
The lawmaker said a combination of LNG, biomass and renewable energy could help improve Palawan’s energy security while reducing dependence on imported diesel fuel.
Alvarez’s remarks come as Palawan continues to face growing electricity demand driven by tourism, population growth and economic development.
The province’s energy situation has long been a concern among residents and businesses, particularly in areas vulnerable to power interruptions and high electricity rates.
The congressman said addressing the province’s energy needs should be a priority given Palawan’s role in supplying resources that help power other parts of the country.
“We are supplying gas to Luzon,” Alvarez said. “Palawan should also benefit.”
