BASILAN, Mindanao—In support of the island’s clean energy transition, PNOC conducted a site visit and exploratory meetings with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Isabela and Lamitan in Basilan on April 7 and 8, 2025, respectively. The visit aimed to assess the feasibility of establishing a small-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (ssLNG) project in the province aligned with the National Power Corporation’s (NPCs) Island Hybridization Plan.
Leading the initiative were PNOC President and CEO Mr. Oliver B. Butalid and PNOC Board Director Joel R Caminade. They were joined by a technical team composed of PNOC’s LNG-specialized engineers, potential investors, and representatives from the NPC Small Power Utilities Group – Mindanao Operations Department (SPUG-MOD), headed by Engr. Yahcob H. Darayan.
The PNOC delegation received a warm welcome from Lamitan City Mayor Roderick H. Furigay and Mr. Pedrito A. Eisma, Administrator of Isabela City, Basilan. These courtesy visits provided a platform to present PNOC’s proposed ssLNG project and explore potential partnerships with the local governments.
The ssLNG port initiative is envisioned to support the hybridization of NPC’s diesel power generators in Basilan, paving the way for a cleaner, more reliable, and cost-efficient energy supply. With the province currently dependent on diesel for power generation, the introduction of LNG marks a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions and stabilizing electricity costs.
As part of the technical evaluation, the PNOC and NPC teams visited several key generation facilities, including the NPC Diesel Power Plant and Power Barge in Isabela, as well as the Rose Power Plant in Lamitan. These inspections are integral to assessing infrastructure readiness and potential integration with LNG solutions.
This ocular visit to Basilan forms part of PNOC’s broader mission to expand energy access and promote sustainable development in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) across the Visayas and Mindanao. By championing clean energy technologies like LNG, PNOC reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ energy transition and inclusive progress.
