Summary
Highlights
Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao holds an estimated 1 trillion US dollars worth of natural gas. Studies dating back to 2002 suggest deposits of 583 billion barrels of natural gas. The Philippine National Oil Company, through a Department of Energy contract in 1984, found a prospect of 68 billion cubic feet of natural gas in the marsh, which spans approximately 200,000 hectares across Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Maguindanao.
In 2013, Congressman Dong Mangudadatu discovered a continuous supply of methane gas while searching for clean water for his fish farm, a business he started in 1992. This gas, which burns 24/7 without odor, is currently used by over 100 of his staff for cooking. Mangudadatu launched the 'Handog Kalan' program to extend this free gas supply to local residents, reducing their reliance on expensive LPG and improving their quality of life. He envisions that this resource could potentially alleviate the need for overseas workers from the Middle East.
Congressman Mangudadatu is also focused on infrastructure development, including the concreting of roads in Maguindanao, such as the 24 km road in Sultan sa Barongis. These improvements aim to enhance accessibility and socio-economic conditions, contributing to peace and unity in the region. Local leaders from the MILF and AFP commend his efforts in fostering cooperation and development.
Locals express strong support for Congressman Mangudadatu, citing his genuine concern and impartial approach, even extending scholarship opportunities to those affected by past conflicts. They see him as a champion for the marsh, advocating for the proper utilization and environmental preservation of its resources. The vision is to harness the natural gas for education, electrification, and job creation, with the potential to make the Philippines the 'next Dubai' and even pay off the national debt.
During his visit in April, President Rodrigo Duterte met with Congressman Mangudadatu to discuss the Maguindanao methane gas. President Duterte was impressed by the region's resources, seeing it as an opportunity for national growth and prosperity, not just for Maguindanao but for the entire country. The collaboration between local government and armed forces, exemplified by the 'balik baril' program, further emphasizes the potential for peace and development.