MANILA - The Department of Energy (DOE) and the University of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation, Inc. (UPSCRFI) have completed the Natural Gas Development Plan (NGDP) that aims to attract investments in the country's downstream natural gas industry. The NGDP, which is the second phase of the Gas Policy Development Project (GPDP), was turned over by the United States Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources on Thursday. "We underscore the importance of developing our natural gas industry. As part of our strategy and ensuring energy security, we need to strengthen our strategies and policies," DOE director Rino Abad said in a statement. The NGDP will serve as a guide to policymakers, regulators, and investors in the development of the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry (PDNGI). The blueprint contains information on the existing legal framework, gas demand outlook, ongoing projects, membership of the Technical Committee on Downstream Natural Gas Standards on Products, Facility, and Code of Practice, way forward plans, and the GPDP technical and research products. "Other documents include the proposed regulatory process containing recommendations to government agencies and local government units (LGUs) involved in the PDNGI value chain. These include technical, administrative, and regulatory guidance for 11 agencies and two LGUs, a simplified process for securing permits and clearances, documentary requirements, and technical standards to comply with," the DOE added. Abad said the NGDP will aid the Philippines to advance the development of the downstream natural gas industry which includes the role of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the country's energy system. "With the challenges facing the current supply of our natural gas from the Malampaya gas field, this NGDP is also timely in providing our prospective investors' guidance and policy framework, legal requirements, and incentives in putting up LNG facilities and other infrastructure," he added. DOE said it approved six LNG terminal and regasification projects as of December 2021. These projects are expected to be online from 2023 to 2025. (PNA) }