Energy

Field big enough to power 5.7 million homes a year, head of state says

2026016 Malampaya

A gas rig in the Fluor’s Shell Philippines Exploration Malampaya Phase 3 project. President Ferdinand Marcos on Monday announced a significant new gas discovery about 5 kilometers away. © AP

RAMON ROYANDOYAN

January 19, 2026 11:41 JST

MANILA — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced early Monday morning the country’s most significant natural gas discovery “in over a decade,” trumpeting the find as a key step in the nation’s efforts to reduce its dependence on imported energy.