The Philippines, like many developing countries, is energy-deficient and needs to import much of her raw energy in the form of oil. The government, therefore, as early as 10 years ago gave encouragement and support to studies of the islands' indigenous energy resources, not only with the view of reducing dependence upon external sources, but to meet her steeply increasing power requirements. One such indigenous energy resource is geothermal energy in which the Philippines apparently abounds.

Geothermal exploration and development undertaken in the Philippines during the past decade are reviewed and discussed. Results obtained, especially in the Tiwi geothermal field of southeastern Luzon which was the first to be studied, are evaluated and potentials are estimated. The sequential investigations undertaken in the study of a particular geothermal field and the interplay of geologic, geophysical, and geochemical approaches are outlined.

An overview of the future role of geothermal energy in the power development of the country is presented. Research being undertaken on other uses of geothermal energy in industry and agriculture is discussed.

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