Reducing dependence on oil

GOOD news indeed.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the renewal agreement for the Malampaya Service Contract No. 38, or plain SC 38, that would allow the continued production of the Malampaya gas field for another 15 years until February 22, 2039.

Renewal of SC 38, which covers the Malampaya gas field in offshore Palawan, would reduce the country’s dependence on oil imports and ensure a stable supply of clean energy, Malacanang quoted the President as saying.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Marcos and representatives of the Malampaya Consortium in Malacañang on Monday.

The SC 38 was originally scheduled to expire on February 22, 2024.

“We optimistically look forward to the continued production and utilization of the remaining reserves of the Malampaya gas field, as well as further exploration and development of its untapped potential,” Mr. Marcos said.

During the ceremonial signing, the President said the renewal of the contract is significant to achieve the country’s energy security as Malampaya powers 20 percent of Luzon’s energy needs.

What’s so important, though, about having awards for the best books produced in any given year? Do they serve any practical purpose?

Let’s examine six points why book awards are meaningful and important for the advancement of our national literary landscape.

First: book awards provide a platform for recognition. Writing is a solitary craft, and many excellent writers toil away in obscurity.

When an author’s work is acknowledged and celebrated through an award, it acts as a validating force, not only for the writer but also for the readers and the literary community as a whole.

The visibility garnered from a book award can bring newfound attention to an author’s work, attracting a larger readership and expanding the reach of their literary voice.

This recognition also elevates the status of the author, encouraging them to continue honing their craft and contributing to the literary canon.

Second: book awards serve as a barometer of literary excellence.

The rigorous evaluation process that accompanies these awards ensures that only the best works receive recognition.

Judging panels comprising seasoned literary experts, critics, and scholars scrutinize the quality of writing, originality of ideas, and thematic depth.

By honoring the most outstanding works, book awards set a standard of excellence that aspiring writers can strive for.

This fosters healthy competition within the literary community, pushing authors to continually improve and innovate, ultimately enriching the national literary landscape.

Third: book awards have the power to ignite public interest in literature.

Through media coverage and public ceremonies, book awards generate a buzz that

Book awards act as a catalyst for pushing boundaries, encouraging authors to experiment with form, style, and content.

By championing innovation and originality, book awards inspire a continual evolution of literary expression.

Book awards are not just ceremonial decorations or empty gestures; they are meaningful and important for the promotion and development of national literature.

Through recognition, they validate and inspire authors, pushing them to further hone their craft, and publishers to share a diverse range of voices and ideas.

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My fellow MCC members – Chairman Dean Francis Alfar, Alma Anonas-Carpio, Dr. Michael Coroza, Dr. Tony La Viña, Dr. Shirley Lua, Dr. Danton Remoto – and I eagerly look forward to reading the nominated entries for the 41st cycle, which we shall be starting to plan for next month.

I am constantly grateful for the magic of imagination that enables the creation of books.

The warmest thanks of the MCC and myself as an individual writer and reader goes to the NBDB – Chairman Dante Francis ‘Klink’ Ang II, Executive Director Charisse AquinoTugade, Director Anthony John Balisi, Project Development Officer Kevin Ansel Dy, Kathrine Dean, Addie Eleanor Pobre, and the rest of the NBDB team – for their financial and logistical support of the NBA since 2008. We acknowledge their hard work and dedication to promoting Filipino literature.

We also thank the generous donors of cash awards whose names are given to the prizes they sponsor: the Gerardo P. Cabochan Prize (short fiction in Filipino), the National Artist Cirilo F. Bautista Prize (short fiction in English), the Pablo A. Tan Prize (nonfiction prose in English), the Victorio C. Valledor Prize (poetry in Filipino), the Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize (art), the Elfren S. Cruz Prize (social sciences), and the John C. Kaw Prize (history).

Most of all, we thank the writers and readers who keep our literature healthy, vibrant, and alive.

FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO / Email: writerjennyo@gmail.com

The President urged the Department of Energy to oversee the project’s implementation through strict monitoring and ensuring the consortium’s goals are aligned with the country’s national interests

“This is the key to our drive to energy security and calculated to advance the nation’s energy interest. This project will reduce our dependence on oil imports while ensuring a stable supply of energy,” the President said According to the Chief Executive, the 15-year extension is consistent with the Constitution, and the state policy of hastening discovery and production of the country’s indigenous petroleum. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to actively pursue the exploration, development, and utilization of the country’s indigenous energy resources, and to optimize the country’s energy mix.

The President urged the Department of Energy to oversee the project’s implementation through strict monitoring and ensuring the consortium’s goals are aligned with the country’s national interests. Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla welcomed the renewal of SC 38, and noted the assessment encompassed legal, technical, and financial capabilities, and confirmed the consortium’s capacity to sustain the production operations and meet its obligations under the renewal agreement.

This policy was first laid down in 1972 through Presidential Decree 87 issued by the president’s father, then president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

From the discovery of the gas field more than three decades ago, and the project’s commissioning in 2001, the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project has been a boon to the Philippines, providing 20 percent of Luzon’s energy requirement.

The Presidential Communications Office said in a news release through the project, the government was able to generate P374 billion in revenues. In 2022 alone, the project yielded about P26 billion in government revenues.