LEGANES, Iloilo — The Department of Energy (DOE) welcomed the inauguration of Isla LPG Corporation’s Leganes Plant on July 15, 2026, a 1,400‑metric‑ton facility poised to strengthen LPG supply across Panay Island and Western Visayas. The new plant marks a significant upgrade in the region’s energy infrastructure.
A New Energy Landmark for the Visayas
DOE Secretary Sharon S. Garin led the inauguration, calling the facility a critical investment for regional energy resilience. She was joined by Isla Petroleum & Gas Corporation CEO Tomoaki Asai, Citadel Holdings President Jose Ricardo Delgado, and local officials. The plant represents a joint venture between the local Citadel Group and Japan’s Itochu Corporation.
Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias represented Governor Arthur Defensor at the ceremony. Leganes Mayor Junjun Jaen and Congresswoman Kathryn Gorriceta also attended, underscoring the local government’s support for industrial development. The facility replaces the company’s older Lapuz plant, bringing modernized operations to a larger, strategically located site.
Built for Scale and Safety
The 5.4‑hectare coastal facility in Barangay Bigke features a deep‑water jetty with a nine‑meter depth clearance, capable of accommodating marine tankers exceeding 12,000 deadweight tons. A submarine pipeline connects the jetty directly to shore tanks, enabling safe, high‑volume transfers. The plant’s baseline storage can reliably supply approximately 125,000 households.
An automated cylinder carousel, truck‑filling gantry, and weighbridge ensure rapid, precise refilling and bulk distribution. Safety systems include long‑range CCTV surveillance, automated emergency shutdowns, and independent firefighting installations. These features position the Leganes plant among the most advanced LPG facilities outside Metro Manila.
Shielding the Region from Global Shocks
Secretary Garin emphasized that the plant reduces the region’s dependence on fuel shipments passing through congested northern ports. By establishing a major storage and distribution hub in the Visayas, the country strengthens its defenses against global energy disruptions. The coastal location also serves as a business continuity point during emergencies.
The deep‑water marine layout streamlines logistics, cutting freight costs that can eventually benefit consumers. Households, restaurants, and commercial establishments across Panay can expect more stable supply and pricing. The facility directly supports the DOE’s goal of regionalizing energy infrastructure to enhance national preparedness.
Economic Ripple Effects
Beyond fuel supply, the plant is expected to generate technical employment for residents of Leganes and neighboring towns. Workers will gain exposure to world‑class industrial engineering and safety practices. The municipality anticipates increased economic activity from ancillary services supporting the facility’s operations.
The Isla Group operates the well‑known Solane brand and designed the plant with scalability for additional product lines. This flexibility ensures the facility can grow alongside regional demand. For Iloilo and the broader Western Visayas, the Leganes plant represents both energy security and a vote of confidence in the area’s economic future.
