Applications for Nominated Areas in Offshore Mindoro and Recto Bank Basin

DOE Opens Applications for Nominated Areas in Offshore Mindoro and Recto Bank Basin

TAGUIG CITY- The Department of Energy <a href="https://doe.gov.ph">(DOE)</a>, through its Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB), opened the submitted applications for Nominated Area No. 5, located in Offshore Mindoro Basin, and Nominated Areas No. 6, 7 and 8, located at the Recto Bank Basin within the West Philippine Sea, under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCECP) yesterday (14 September) at the agency's headquarters. 

"As quarantine restrictions gradually ease, we actively welcome all PCECP applications that will help us maximize the exploration, development, and utilization of our indigenous energy resources to help us attain energy security and independence," Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.  

Three companies submitted applications, namely Troika Giant Power Corporation for Area No. 5; PXP Energy Corporation for Area No. 6; and Udenna Corporation for Areas No. 7 and 8. 

All three passed the technical, legal, and financial "completeness check" conducted in yesterday's opening activity. The DOE-ERDB, together with the Technical Working Group composed of the DOE's Legal Services and Financial Services, will conduct further substantive evaluations of the proposals within fifteen (15) working days.

To help attain energy security, as well as cushion the country from the volatility of global oil price markets, the DOE established the PCECP to help reinvigorate petroleum exploration and development activities in the Philippines.

Full Electric Vehicle by Japanese Automobile Company

TAGUIG CITY- Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi leads the test drive of the Nissan LEAF, a 100% full electric vehicle (EV), which the Japanese automobile company will be introducing to the Philippine market in 2021.

The test drive is being held at the Energy Center at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, where the DOE main office is located.

Joining Secretary Cusi are Nissan Philippines Inc. President Atsushi Najima, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) Chairman Rommel Juan, Energy Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III, DOE Energy Utilization and Management Bureau (EUMB) Director Patrick Aquino, and Nissan LEAF Specialist Cyrus Macasera.

Nissan has been one of the active proponents globally in the push towards the electrification of transportation, and for the realization of a zero-emission society. 

Earlier, Nissan executives relayed to Secretary Cusi that the company is bringing the LEAF's EV technology to the country in support of the Duterte administration's vision of a safer, smarter and more sustainable future.

The DOE has been promoting EVs to reduce the country's reliance on petroleum as the transportation energy source. More than 30% of the country's energy requirement comes from the transport sector. With the advent of EVs, consumers are given more energy-efficient alternative to petroleum-fueled vehicles, allowing them to benefit from lower fuel and maintenance costs.