The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and the Department of Energy (DOE) launched the 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Bid Round and the 2024 Philippine Bid Round, respectively for petroleum, coal, and native hydrogen on Monday, February 26, 2024 in Quezon City, Metro Manila. (Michael Camsa/BIO)
MANILA—Gas exploration for petroleum, coal, and native hydrogen in the Bangsamoro region has garnered substantial interest from both domestic and international players in the energy sector during the bidding process held on February 26 in Quezon City.
Around 50 companies expressed keen interest in participating in the bidding process during the 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Bid Round and the 2024 Philippine Bid Round launched by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and the Department of Energy (DOE).
MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim emphasized the event’s significance in advancing economic and social progress through principles of self-governance across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“We manage to operationalize one of the key provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, a law that empowers the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government to jointly exercise power to grant rights, privilege, and possession over the exploration, development, and utilization of fossil fuel such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal in the BARMM,” Brahim said.
In alignment with the vision of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Minister Brahim emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership in meeting energy needs and positioning BARMM as a major contributor to the global energy landscape.
“This initiative showcases the unity and resilience of our people as we collaborate for a brighter and more sustainable future,” Brahim stressed.
DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized that President Marcos gave specific instructions to the DOE to pursue more oil and gas explorations in other parts of the country aside from the Malampaya Gas-to-Power Project to ensure the security and self-sufficiency of our nation’s energy supply.
“This landmark activity is a complete testament to our firm commitment to working hand and hand with the Bangsamoro on this journey for sustainable development and that of the country as a whole,” Lotilla added.
“Rest assured that the National Government including the DOE shall closely work hand and hand with BARMM for the responsible development and utilization of all its energy resources,” he stressed.
Co-Chairperson of Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) and Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal expressed that BARMM is blessed with a wealth of natural resources, and it is a responsibility and privilege to harness these resources in a manner that is sustainable, equitable, and beneficial for all.
Iqbal considers the launching as a pivotal moment in the efforts to unlock the potential of conventional energy sources within the BARMM.
“Let us move forward in creating a sustainable energy landscape that fuels not only the economic engines of BARMM and Mindanao but also those of the entire nation,” he said.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman described the event as a significant milestone towards long-term peace and development in Muslim Mindanao.
“The National Government and the Bangsamoro Government have worked tirelessly to fulfill the promise of true and meaningful development in Mindanao by laying the framework for responsible and transparent exploration, development, and utilization of the vast energy resources in BARMM,” she said.
“Through this exercise, we hope to drive sustainable economic growth create more employment opportunities, and elevate the quality of life of every Filipino and Muslim Mindanao in the Philippines,” she added.
In addition to local and international investors, the event saw the participation of Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, ministers, and office heads, along with ambassadors from various countries including Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
