In a strategic move to bolster its energy sector, the Philippines is eyeing Alaska as a potential supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This interest comes at a time when the Trump administration is pushing to revive the long-stalled USD44 billion Alaska LNG project, which has garnered significant support from President Donald Trump himself. The project, capable of processing and transporting up to 20 million tons of LNG annually, aims to connect gas fields in northern Alaska to a southern port for liquefaction and export, with a primary focus on the Asian market.
Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, expressed the country’s intent to procure LNG from Alaska to meet its growing energy needs. In a post on X, Romualdez stated, “We plan to procure LNG from Alaska to meet our growing needs to develop our energy sector.” He further mentioned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is keen on discussing this and other mutually beneficial topics with President Trump in an upcoming bilateral meeting, which is expected to be scheduled within the year.
Romualdez highlighted the potential benefits of sourcing LNG from Alaska, noting that it could provide the Philippines with a stable supply at competitive prices. He referenced a similar commitment made by Japan and expressed readiness to enter into a similar agreement. “Similar to what Japan that made a commitment, we are prepared to make a commitment to be able to buy some of that LNG,” he told the Philippine News Agency. He added that Alaska’s abundant supply could lead to very affordable prices, making it an attractive option for the Philippines’ energy mix.
On February 20, officials from the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC met with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, who confirmed that steps are being taken to align with Trump’s “America First” policy, which prioritizes the export of Alaskan LNG. Chargé d’affaires Jaime Ascalon Jr. conveyed Manila’s interest in sourcing its LNG requirements from the US through Alaska. Governor Dunleavy acknowledged the significant interest in the Alaska LNG project from Pacific Rim governments, pipeline builders, and shippers, emphasizing its importance for economic development, national security, and strengthening alliances in the Pacific.
The Alaska LNG project has also caught the attention of Japan, with President Trump revealing after a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba that discussions about a joint venture on Alaska oil and gas have taken place. Trump highlighted that Japan will soon begin importing historic new shipments of clean American LNG in record numbers, emphasizing the strategic advantage of Alaska’s proximity to Japan, which is less than half the distance of any other major oil and gas location. He expressed excitement about the potential joint venture, indicating strong bilateral interest in advancing the project.
As the Philippines continues to explore its options for securing a reliable and cost-effective energy supply, the potential partnership with Alaska represents a significant opportunity to enhance its energy security and contribute to the region’s economic and strategic development.