In a historic step toward national energy independence, Palawan State University (PalawanSU) officially inaugurated the Drilling Fluids Research and Innovation (DFRI) Laboratory on March 25, 2026.
The event commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and the unveiling of the laboratory marker, followed by a formal blessing of the facility. The celebration continued with a program held at the PalawanSU Hostel.
In her welcome message, OIC Marissa S. Pontillas thanked the DOST-PCIEERD for their support and generous funding grant to establish the DFRI laboratory. She also underscored the laboratory’s timely and important role in research, innovation, and sustainable development.
“This laboratory serves as a beacon of innovation,” Prof. Pontillas stated. “It is our hope that this laboratory will encourage and empower our students and faculty members to engage in research, innovate, and eventually be able to contribute meaningfully to petroleum research and development.”
Engr. Niñaliza H. Escorial, DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director and OIC of the Office of the Executive Director delivered the keynote address. She shared a bold vision for the facility to become a national center for petroleum and energy R&D. She believed that research generated from the laboratory will be instrumental in developing the Philippines’ own natural gas resources, effectively reducing the country’s reliance on imported energy.
Engr. Jerry B. Mercado, OIC Regional Director of DOST-MIMAROPA shared the sentiment and hailed the DFRI Lab as a timely investment in the national energy sector. “By prioritizing research and human capital, we are not only advancing local capabilities but securing the Philippines’ path toward energy independence,” Mercado noted.
Providing a technical overview of the DFRI laboratory, Project Leader Engr. Morlie L. Talimbay explained the critical role of “drilling mud”, the specialized fluids used to lubricate and stabilize oil and gas operations. The laboratory’s primary mission is to develop high-performance and locally sourced formulations to replace expensive imported petroleum products. Beyond technical production, Engr. Talimbay highlighted the DFRI Laboratory’s commitment to sustainable engineering. The research will focus on eco-friendly additives designed to protect Palawan’s unique environment while training the next generation of Filipino engineers to lead the energy sector.
There was also an interactive Question and Answer session with the media where they discussed the long-term economic impacts of the laboratory for the province.
The event closed with Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (VPRDE) Dr. Marjorie A. Española, who thanked the collaborators for turning this vision into a reality.