The 2007 Plan Update focuses on the sector’s goals of increasing the country’s oil and gas resources by 20.0 percent at the end of the planning period and increasing local production from other indigenous energy sources. Increasing production from indigenous hydrocarbon resources is a major pillar of the nation’s energy independence agenda. --- The DOE will pursue activities to increase indigenous coal production to meet the growing demand for coal by the power generation sector and manufacturing industries. --- Downstream Energy Industry: 􀂇 Develop the Malampaya oil rim for the country’s national reserve as a contingent measure in the event of oil crises or supply disruption. 􀂇 Diversify supply sources by strengthening bilateral supply agreements with non-traditional suppliers to avert over dependence on major suppliers. 􀂇 Encourage infrastructure development through the provision of Gasoline Station Lending and Financial Assistance Program (GSLFAP) to new players in the liquid fuels sector and consequently promote healthy retail competition. The Program is being implemented in cooperation with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). PAGCOR ensures the availability of funds to prospective oil players interested to avail of the Program through the DOE while DBP-Trust Services administers the loan fund. 􀂇 Enhance consumer safety and welfare through the development of an LPG Cylinder Exchange Program to address the growing proliferation of sub-standard and dilapidated LPG cylinders in the market. This is to promote accountability and responsibility on the part of the brand owners to maintain their own cylinders in accordance with set standards. The Program will likewise enforce standards/rules and regulation through appropriate policy interventions such as the Retail Rules for LPG and the proposed LPG Bill. 􀂇 Study the feasibility of establishing a National Petroleum Strategic Reserve in 2010 by putting in place the necessary fuel stockpile infrastructures and the actualization of oil discovery prospects. 􀂇 Develop and improve standards for products and facilities and enhance monitoring/enforcement of compliance with the standards to ensure adherence of industry players to the Retail Rules. 􀂇 Establish quality standards and an inspection/ sampling mechanism for diesel/gasoline preblended with bio-fuels. 􀂇 Formulate appropriate policy intervention to promote the use of pipeline for household LPG in the development plan of new areas and emerging communities. --- Natural gas Action Plan: The energy sector will therefore pursue the following activities, plans and programs: Infrastructure Facilities Network: 􀂇 Form strong public-private partnerships for the development of the natural gas industry, particularly on the identified infrastructure projects as follows (with corresponding indicative year of completion and operation): [...] Market Development: 􀂇 Prioritize the use of natural gas to fuel the additional capacity requirements in the power sector starting in 2010 for Luzon, as well as mandate the conversion of oil-thermal plants such as Sucat and Limay to be fueled by natural gas. 􀂇 Promote the expanded use of natural gas in transport, industry, buildings and agriculture in 2010. Manpower Capability Building 􀂇 Establish a Philippine Natural Gas Institute to serve as a policy think-tank center for natural gas. However, it could start as the national training center and venue for workshops, conferences and trainings on the operation of natural gas facilities. The Institute shall supply the manpower requirement for the industry. 􀂇 Introduce courses including a Bachelor of Science in Natural Gas Engineering in 2010. IEC Campaign: 􀂇 Harness multimedia technology and strategy e.g. television, radio and print ads, for faster and wider circulation of information on the natural gas program of the government.