Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Minister Akmad Brahim sign the first coal operating contract in the Bangsamoro at Bajau Hall, Office of the Chief Minister, Bangsamoro Government Center, on October 24, 2024. (Benyamen Ismail/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Government, in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE), approved on October 24, the region’s first coal operating contract, marking a significant step in advancing energy security and driving economic growth in the Bangsamoro.
DOE Secretary and Intergovernmental Energy Commission Co-Chairperson Raphael P.M. Lotilla and MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim signed the agreement at the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in this city.
“We start a new journey towards sustainable development and economic empowerment by leveraging on the untapped potential of the region,” said BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, who graced the event.
This will certainly generate employment opportunities, nurture an economic landscape in the region, and bringing us closer to our goal of an empowered, cohesive, and progressive Bangsamoro”, he added.
This historic agreement represents a crucial step in securing the nation’s energy future while upholding the commitment to environmental stewardship.
“It will offer us a chance to harness these coal assets responsibly and will further elevate the Bangsamoro in the field of energy security and economic prosperity in the country,” he expressed.
MENRE Minister Brahim emphasized the need for careful execution of the project, ensuring adherence to high environmental standards. “Every step will be taken with care, ensuring that all operations follow the highest standards of environmental protection and social responsibility,” he said.
The contract is expected to create numerous jobs, stimulate local investment, and contribute significantly to the region’s overall economic development.
It is also a major step in operationalizing provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), empowering the National and Bangsamoro Governments to jointly explore and utilize fossil fuels — such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the BARMM.
DOE Secretary Lotilla highlighted the broader implications of the agreement, calling it “more than just a milestone” and a crucial part of securing the nation’s energy future. “This is a realization of a shared vision to responsibly utilize the region’s abundant energy resources,” Lotilla said.
“This coal contract is just the beginning – a signal of the promising opportunities ahead as we continue our joint efforts to develop BARMM’s energy sector,” he added.
This coal operation in BARMM represents a crucial step in addressing the region’s immediate energy needs while simultaneously pursuing a sustainable energy future.(Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
