Amid rising global oil prices from Middle East tensions, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Palawan State University will inaugurate the Philippines’ first petroleum engineering R&D lab on March 25 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The Drilling Fluids Research and Innovation (DFRI) Laboratory aims to develop locally sourced, sustainable drilling fluids to support oil and gas exploration.
Researchers have produced nanoiron oxide and nanosilica-enhanced drilling fluids, offering cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives for safe drilling operations.
The lab’s outputs will be recommended to the Department of Energy to help increase domestic oil and gas production and reduce reliance on imports.
DOST officials said the facility will serve as a national center for petroleum R&D, strengthening the country’s energy security and research capacity.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 20, 2026
