Jakarta/ Manila, 17 October 2023: The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) is pleased to announce a research cooperation agreement with the University of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation, Inc (UPSCRFI), implementing the third phase of the Gas Policy Research Project (GPDP). The collaboration will focus on the theme Natural Gas Regulatory Framework, Market Development, and Technology Adoption in the Philippines.

Building on the output from the previous phases of the GPDP, a technical assistance program provided by the US Department of State to the Philippines' Department of Energy (PDOE) from 2018 to 2022, this project aims to complete and finalise a regulatory framework for the downstream natural gas industry. It will also continue to build the capacity of regulators and provide evidence-based data and technical input for policy-making and sectoral planning.

As an international organisation established under the East Asia Summit, ERIA is committed to supporting a just and orderly energy transition in Asian countries. This research partnership with UPSCRFI is testament to ERIA's dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions and promoting economic growth in the region.

We look forward to the positive impacts this collaboration will bring, not only to the Philippines, but also to the entire ASEAN region and East Asia in our pursuit of a cleaner and more sustainable future.

About UPSCRFI:

The University of the Philippines Statistical Center Research Foundation, Inc (UPSCRFI) is a non-stock, non-profit corporation which was established in 1985 to initiate, sponsor, promote, assist or conduct programs and projects geared toward research in theoretical and applied statistics and other related fields of endeavour.