President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is hopeful the government will find new natural gas reserves to replace the Malampaya gas field in the ongoing drilling operations in offshore Palawan.

After speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building last Monday, Marcos and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin inspected the area a fly-by.

"We are going to fly by the rig in Malampaya that is now slowly drilling down into the seabed with a reasonable chance of success of finding further reserves," said Marcos during the speech.

The energy department said it will know by the end of 2025 if there are any natural resources in the Malampaya gas field with the completion of the $893 million drilling project.

The Malampaya gas field, which covers at least 40 percent of Luzon's power requirement, is expected to be depleted by 2027.

Garin, who took her oath of office before the President last Monday, earlier said she is optimistic the drilling operations will extend the life of the Malampaya gas field.

She replaced former secretary Raphael Lotilla, who is now secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). DMS