PNOC subsidiary to pursue gas pipeline project

Publicly-listed PNOC-Exploration Corp. is proceeding as scheduled with the implementation of the proposed $100-million Batangas-Manila (Batman I) natural gas pipeline project.

PNOC-EC president Rufino Bomasang said they obtained recently an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural (DENR).

Bomasang said PNOC-EC is now ready to proceed with the implementation of the project subject to the granting of all the necessary permits from the concerned local government units and national agencies.

The company expects that the pipeline project will be operational in two years or by early 2007.

PNOC-EC is now inviting interested local and foreign companies to participate in the bidding for the front end engineering Design (FEED).

The FEED is where the technical details of the project will be drawn up together with the acquisition of relevant field data such as geotechnical and route alignment information.

The pipeline project involves the setting up of a 100-kilometer main natural gas transmission system from Batangas province to southern Metro Manila, a 35-km spur line to the industrial areas in Rosario, Cavite, and subtransmission pipelines designed to serve potential gas users in the said areas.

EC submitted its environmental impact statement (EIS) last December and the ECC was eventually issued by the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau last March 31.

The gas pipeline system has been classified as a "priority project"in the energy sector by the national government and has been declared a "project of national significance" by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The ECC is the first such clearance granted to the longest onshore natural gas pipeline initiative in the country.

Early last year, PNOC-EC began the process of acquiring right-of-way for the project with the end view of maximizing the use of government properties in designing the pipeline route.

PNOC-EC external relations Officer Rudolph Dimen said the project is proceeding according to schedule.

"We are delighted with the support we have been receiving from the various concerned sectors and stakeholders. We hope to push further with the support of the local government units," Dimen said.