The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and the Department of Energy (DOE) launch the 1st BARMM Conventional Energy Bid Round for petroleum service contracts on Aug. 27, 2024, at Dusit Thani, Makati City. (Photo courtesy of MENRE)
MAKATI CITY—The National and the Bangsamoro Governments are pushing for a reliable and secure energy supply through the launch of petroleum exploration in the Bangsamoro region.
The initial round of bidding for the BARMM Conventional Energy service contracts took place on Aug. 27, aiming to reduce dependence on energy imports and harness local resources for energy security.
The bidding round, a collaboration between the Energy Management and Development Services (EMDS) of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and the Department of Energy (DOE), marks a critical step towards energy security and self-sufficiency in the Bangsamoro region.
“By leveraging local resources, we aim to establish a sustainable energy future while reducing reliance on imports,” said Bangsamoro Director General for Energy, Nasiri Abas.
“This initiative will drive economic growth, attract investments, and create job opportunities, improving the quality of life for our residents,” Abas added.
The bid round covers Pre-Determined Area (PDA) BP-1 in the Cotabato Basin, spanning Cotabato City and the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur, with a total area of 229,240 hectares.
Abas emphasized that awarding petroleum service contracts will strengthen energy security while ensuring equitable distribution of resources, contributing to a more prosperous and stable Bangsamoro for current and future generations.
MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim echoed this sentiment, describing the collaboration as a “beacon of hope” for future generations.
Brahim also acknowledged the sacrifices of Bangsamoro leaders, stating, “As we take this monumental step forward, we carry with us the hopes and dreams of those who came before us.”
DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales, co-chair of the Joint Review and Evaluation Committee (J-REC), highlighted the strong coordination between the national and Bangsamoro governments for developing indigenous energy resources.
During the event, a Technical Working Group (TWG) from the national and Bangsamoro governments reviewed bid applications from PXP Energy, SundaGas Ltd., Philodrill Corporation, Triangle Energy Global Limited, and DML Mineral Resources Corporation to ensure compliance with technical, legal, and financial qualifications.
MENRE and the DOE will endorse their recommendation to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to sign and award petroleum service contracts for the identified Pre-Determined Areas. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
