Life by the LNG Plant: Insights from a Batangas Parish Priest

As the Philippines faces the reality of dwindling natural gas reserves from the Malampaya field—responsible for supplying 20% of Luzon’s power requirements—importing natural gas in the form of LNG and processing it at strategic LNG plants across the country has been certified as a priority, essential to meet the country’s energy demands. 

But the Philippines’ move to accelerate adoption of LNG is further motivated by energy sustainability – LNG is largely seen as a highly suitable “transition” fuel where a noticeable increase in the use of natural gas is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. In fact, under the Clean Energy Scenario of the Philippine Energy Plan, the country targets LNG to account for 26% of its requirements along with 50% of Renewables by 2040.

At present less than 5% of the Philippines’ energy requirements are supplied by LNG, making it a relatively new but critical topic for Filipinos. Already, some environmental groups have voiced objections to LNG, being at its essence a fossil-based fuel and claiming it has caused harm to health and the environment where the plants are found. 

A different story

Rev. Father Toter Resuello, parish priest at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Ilijan, Batangas tells a different story. He shares a belief that hosting an LNG facility in their town has produced economic benefits including better access to healthcare and contributed to community development, infrastructure, and overall better quality of life to residents.

According to Father Resuello, the LNG plant has been instrumental in enhancing local infrastructure. “When I arrived here, the roads were already well-maintained, and the schools were in good condition. These improvements are largely due to the presence of the LNG facility,” he stated. 

The plant has also played a vital role in providing jobs and boosting the local economy. “There are numerous job opportunities, from maintenance work to engineering roles at the plant. This has greatly benefited the residents,” Father Resuello noted.

The increase in employment has led to additional economic activities in the area. Locals have taken advantage of the growing demand by renting out their properties to workers, and other businesses have thrived due to the influx of people.

Health and Social Responsibility

The LNG plant’s commitment to social responsibility has been evident through its support of various community programs, including health-related initiatives. Father Resuello highlighted that the facility has contributed significantly to the community’s health infrastructure. “The plant has provided essential services, such as new ambulance services, which have been crucial in responding to health emergencies,” he shared. The presence of these new services has improved the community’s access to immediate healthcare, enhancing overall well-being.

Furthermore, the LNG plant has been proactive in ensuring the safety of the community. Father Resuello mentioned that the facility has consistently prioritized safety measures, contributing to the overall sense of security among the residents. This focus on health and safety has been a significant benefit to the community, reinforcing the positive impact of the LNG plant.

The positive relationship between the LNG plant and the local community has been maintained through continuous engagement and dialogue. Father Resuello emphasized the importance of ongoing communication between the plant and the community to address any concerns and foster cooperation. “It’s important for them to keep engaging with the barangay and other stakeholders to build trust and ensure that any issues are addressed,” he advised.

LNG as a Transitional Fuel

LNG plays a crucial role in the Philippines’ energy strategy. While it is recognized as a cleaner alternative to coal, Father Resuello pointed out the importance of balancing its benefits with environmental considerations. “They say LNG is safer and cleaner than coal, but we must also be mindful of its environmental impact,” he shared.

The global consensus is that LNG is a most viable “bridge” fuel in the transition to a low-carbon energy complex; a cleaner option compared to more traditional fossil fuels. The reduced carbon dioxide emissions from LNG, along with its lower levels of other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, contribute to a cleaner environment, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

In fact, the shift to power generation via renewable energy and natural gas combined is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% or around 119 million tons of carbon equivalent by 2040.

As the Philippines transitions toward a mix of renewable energy and LNG by 2040, the positive experiences of LNG host communities like Ilijan provide valuable insights into the benefits of such developments, demonstrating how responsibly managed energy projects aligned with the country’s LNG drive can contribute not only to energy security, affordability, and sustainability but also to economic growth, infrastructure development, and better social services for the residents of communities hosting them.

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 This article is brought to you by Domantay Consulting.